Tough times continue for former Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The reason? Well, despite being one of the great batters in franchise history, Rizzo hasn’t found any takers since becoming a free agent in 2021. Sure, the Cubs moved on from him back then—age, declining numbers, all that jazz. But now? Fans are loudly calling for a reunion. Could the Cubs actually bring him back?

So, what makes him special is that even though Rizzo is now 35 years old, he still wants to play his best, giving time to the pitchers and hitters and knowing more on and off the field. He had a .267 batting average with eight hits and two runs scored across the 10 games in the 2024 postseason, which had been poor for a player of his caliber. Then, what’s the reason the fan base is speculating about his return to the Cubs?

Anthony Rizzo is well aware that his career may end soon, given that he is approaching 36 soon; however, he believes he has still a lot to deliver. Ever since the New York Yankees rejected his $17 million deal, signing Paul Goldschmidt for $12.5 million, the four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star has found his sweepstakes shrinking. While Rizzo waits for a perfect landing spot, on February 24, he said, “I want to play. I want to win. And I love talking the game with pitchers and with hitters. There’s so much to dive into. Everything that goes into it, on the field and off the field, I’ll still be talking about it with guys. We’ll just see if I continue playing.”

Rizzo’s dedication and commitment can never be ignored, as he has wanted to discuss the game with the pitchers and hitters and know more, which may help him to make it big again. Rizzo affirms that he will not sign a contract that will hurt the chances of other talented players who are behind him in the free agency market, despite the fact that his 2022 and 2023 seasons were hampered by injuries. However, even with hand issues, Rizzo batted at an average of .267 with a .721 OPS for the New York Yankees in the playoffs. His grit and passion for playing are what the fans want to see in a player, and that’s the reason maybe speculations are high about the Rizzo-Cubs reunion. Sounds fair?

Fans demand Anthony Rizzo’s back in the Cubs

While the veteran Anthony Rizzo is still struggling to find a job, one fan clearly expressed his desire, wanting him back to where he played years ago. The reason? Well, Rizzo had quite a good record with the Chicago Cubs, where he played 92 games, making a .248/.346/.446 slash line, 40 RBIs, 14 home runs, and 4 stolen bases.

Echoing the previous response, another user on X confirmed that if anyone deserves to be in the Chicago Cubs the most, it is Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo is not only known for his hitting ability but also for his veteran leadership skills, which are needed in the Cubs clubhouse at present. Rizzo even shares his intent of not retiring soon, and that makes the fans speculate that his return to the Cubs is the best thing happening, isn’t it?

However, another user on X shared his reaction, highlighting the need for Rizzo to accept a league minimum or even consider the role of a coach in the team. It definitely sounds good, given that he is 35 years of age now, and there are uncertainties about how he may play in the next couple of years. Going by the responses, as Rizzo loves talking with the pitchers and hitters, it will be great for him to coach and improve the team’s performance.

Anthony Rizzo is well aware that the market is less robust, and he shall not ruin the chances of future players standing behind him in free agency. He isn’t surprised by the fact that he has become older, and most teams want him to play for a league minimum of $760,000—a fan requests the Chicago Cubs to get him back with whatever amount they think will be suitable. Sounds fair?

Well, that would be possible if there’s an injury on a team, which might pave the way for Rizzo to get in, as stated by an X user. While it might be true, Rizzo believes that he will continue to train until the season starts and even during the season to leave a significant mark that may fetch him a good spot within a team. Be it the Chicago Cubs or any other team.

So, what’s the move, Cubs fans? Will Chicago answer the calls and bring back Anthony Rizzo, or is that ship long gone? Drop your thoughts in the comments!