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Rizzo: Cubs scuttled extension talks due to 'cutthroat' business

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Early in the winter, there were rumblings that the Chicago Cubs and three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo might work out a contract extension before he potentially hits free agency next offseason.

Instead, it's been a winter of inaction for the Cubs, who hired David Ross as manager but haven't spent more than $1 million on any free-agent deal.

That inability to spend has affected players under contract as well. In November, Rizzo's agent said the club would not be offering his client an extension, and on Friday, the star first baseman spoke about the impasse.

"I'll keep that in-house," Rizzo said when asked whether he was upset by the Cubs shutting down contract negotiations, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. We've had some talks and whatnot. Obviously, nothing came to fruition. But I've stated how much I love this place. It's like home to me, my wife, and my family. But this is a business. This is as cutthroat as ever now."

As for whether the trade rumors surrounding former MVP Kris Bryant are bothering him, Rizzo said his teammate and friend is "in a good place," adding, "We hope he's on our side, that's for sure."

Rizzo, 30, is due to earn $16.5 million in 2020 and has a $16.5-million team option for 2021 that includes a $2-million buyout. In the event that Rizzo's option is exercised by the team, he would hit free agency following the 2021 campaign.

In 2019, the former Silver Slugger and three-time Gold Glove Award winner slashed .293/.405/.520 with 27 home runs and 29 doubles across 146 games.

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