The Chicago Cubs may have found their franchise star, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo signed a long-term contract worth $41 million over seven years. There are also two club options which would make the deal worth nearly $70 million through nine years.
He has yet to play a full season and for the 2013 season is earning $498,000.
Rizzo acquired last season in a deal that sent starting pitcher Andrew Cashner to the San Diego Padres played well in 87 games. He hit .285, with 15 homers and 48 rbi. So far his 2013 season has started slowly, now things have picked up for him over the last 15 games as he’s gone 23-56, with a home run, 10 rbi and eight doubles.
Currently he’s hitting .280 with nine home runs and 28 rbi.
Over the past few seasons the left-handed swinging first basemen bounced between the minor leagues and the major leagues playing in a total of 136 games. In 49 games with the Padres he hit just .141 with a home run.
The Cubs are doing a good job of trying to shape the future of the franchise by locking up shortstop Starlin Castro, signing Cuban prospect Jorge Soler and will make a decision shortly on whether to extend Jeff Samardzija or Matt Garza.
While the Cubs will struggle to win games during the season their future is looking bright with their recent moves.