Chicago Cubs: Reason to believe Anthony Rizzo regression is coming
By Ryan Sikes
As Anthony Rizzo enters his age 31 season for the Chicago Cubs, is there legitimate concern for a dropoff in production?
It doesn’t seem that long ago that the Chicago Cubs were acquiring Anthony Rizzo from the San Diego Padres in exchange for pitching prospect Andrew Cashner. The Cubs were coming off several years of stability at first base in Derrek Lee, but after one year of Carlos Pena and a short stint of Bryan LaHair, it was obvious that a long-term upgrade was needed at the position.
Rizzo batted just .141 in 49 games with the Padres during the 2014 season, and that was enough for the Friars to move him for pitching help. To the Cubs’ benefit, Rizzo led the north siders out of the dark ages, breaking out in 2014 with a .286/.386/.527 line to go along with 32 home runs and 78 RBI in the first of three consecutive All-Star selections.
He’s been the model of consistency for the Cubs while being an instrumental piece in helping the team win their first World Series title since 1908. Now 30 years old, Rizzo is coming off one of his best seasons, offensively, slashing .293/.405/.520 with 27 home runs and 94 RBI (137 OPS+).
Rizzo is also entering the first of two club options that were included in his team-friendly seven-year, $41 million deal. While an extension would seem like a foregone conclusion, the Cubs were reportedly not going to discuss one with Rizzo during the offseason. That doesn’t mean he is gone after the 2021 season, but it’s certainly odd to not, at least, have the conversation.
Let’s look at several examples around the majors to discern if a potential dropoff is coming.