Chicago – Anthony Rizzo, the legendary shortstop who helped the Chicago Cubs win the historic 2016 World Series, could return to the team in a unique, unprecedented role, with a contract rumored to be worth up to $500 million, according to sources close to the matter.
While details are unclear, many observers believe that this could be a long-term partnership, including the role of executive advisor, global brand ambassador and ownership stake in the team – something that has never happened in Cubs history.
A source from inside the team said: “Rizzo is not just a legend on the field. He is the heart of the Cubs. The board is looking to bring him back in a way that is worthy of that legacy.”
The news comes just weeks after Rizzo appeared in Chicago for “Cubs Care Week,” where he tearfully recounted his cancer journey and said the Cubs “will always be home.”
“No matter where I am, my heart is at Wrigley Field,” Rizzo said in an interview with NBC Sports Chicago.
That statement is now being seen by fans as a “harbinger” of a new chapter in his relationship with the team that made him legendary.
According to renowned reporter Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are in the midst of a comprehensive restructuring of their player development and branding strategies. “It’s not out of the question that Rizzo will be given a position similar to ‘Baseball President’ – someone who represents the culture and spirit of the Cubs on and off the field,” Rosenthal said.
The rumored $500 million contract has sent shockwaves through the baseball community. Some of that money, according to Sports Business Journal analysis, could come from global merchandising and image rights – as the Cubs push into Asia and Latin America, where Rizzo still has a huge fan base.
A sports finance expert commented:
“If this deal is real, the Cubs are not just buying a person – they are investing in an icon. Rizzo is the soul of Wrigley Field, and that is worth more than any number.”
A longtime fan shared on X (Twitter):
“If this is real, I will cry. Rizzo did not just bring victory in 2016 – he brought confidence to the city.”
Several other sources also revealed that Cubs President – Tom Ricketts – was the one who directly proposed the plan to “revive the Rizzo legacy” to inspire unity within the team after the tumultuous 2025 season.
From a young boy battling cancer to a world champion, to now an icon inspiring millions – Anthony Rizzo’s journey goes far beyond a baseball career.
If the $500 million deal comes to fruition, it will not only be a historic deal, but also a moment of rebirth for the Cubs spirit – a place where people, loyalty and legacy are valued above all else.
“There are things that can’t be measured in money,” Rizzo once said in an old interview. “But if the Cubs want me to come back and write another chapter – I’ll never say no.”
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