Rizzo wants to retire with Cubs, optimistic about extension

There's a lot of uncertainty these days on the North Side of Chicago, but Anthony Rizzo isn't concerned about his future with the Cubs.

Although Rizzo, a pending free agent, is still talking to the team about an extension, the All-Star first baseman is eager to get it done and ensure he'll never wear another uniform.

"I want to be here for the rest of my career. I want to be here 25 years from now when the Cubs are in the World Series, throwing out first pitches," Rizzo said Friday, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago. "I've seen other Cubs greats come back. That motivates me to keep getting better."

The 31-year-old has already cemented his place in franchise lore as one of the key cogs of the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series championship, which ended their 108-year drought. Rizzo has hit 229 home runs, made three All-Star Games, and won three Gold Gloves over his 10-year run with Chicago.

But with no extension in place just yet, his exit - like many of his longtime Cubs teammates - remains a distinct possibility. The team's pivot toward a rebuild this winter has led to increased trade chatter about its remaining stars, most notably former NL MVP Kris Bryant.

Rizzo is still feeling good about his latest talks with president Jed Hoyer, which he characterized as "very easy." However, he said he won't change his Opening Day deadline to get a deal done.

"Right now, this next two-and-a-half weeks is pretty much the only time that is exclusive to the Cubs from a bargaining standpoint," Rizzo said. "I've obviously expressed it before. I love Chicago. I love the fans. I love the city. I'm happy here. It's just about doing what's right and what makes sense."

Rizzo added: "The business stuff will unfold in a couple weeks, good or bad. And then I'll just leave it all on the field like I always do."