Chicago, IL — The baseball community was shocked by the news that former Chicago Cubs legend Anthony Rizzo will officially return to the team in 2026, but this time as an assistant coach, in charge of developing young players and assisting the locker room. The leaked news shocked fans and experts, immediately spreading across social media platforms with thousands of shares and comments.

Rizzo, who was with the Cubs from 2010 to 2021, is known for his leadership role on the field, having helped the team win the historic 2016 World Series, breaking the 108-year “bad karma” that the city of Chicago had been waiting for. His return is not only good news for fans, but also brings an emotional shock to the Cubs locker room, where young faces will have the opportunity to learn directly from the legend.
In the official announcement, Rizzo shared: “Returning to the Cubs in this way is a great honor. I want to help the young players develop, while continuing to maintain the fighting spirit and culture that the Cubs have built over the years.” This statement immediately sent fans into a state of excitement, many commented that this was “a historic, symbolic and emotional decision.”

Insider sources revealed that the decision to hire Rizzo as assistant coach came from the Cubs’ Board of Directors, who wanted to recreate the winning atmosphere and inspire the young players in the 2026 season. Accordingly, Rizzo will directly participate in training sessions, strategies to develop batting skills and team spirit, and support the head coach in managing the locker room.
This is considered an extremely smart strategic move by the Cubs, because Rizzo not only brings with him top-level playing experience, but is also a cultural icon of the team. Experts commented: “Rizzo’s appearance will immediately elevate the locker room, helping young players learn the winning spirit and perseverance that the Cubs need in the rebuilding period.”
The fan community on social media immediately exploded. Hashtags #RizzoReturns, #CubsLegendBack, and #RizzoCoach quickly spread, with thousands of comments praising this decision. One fan shared: “No one knows the Cubs better than Rizzo. His return is a miracle for the team, I can’t wait for the 2026 season to see him coaching the future stars!”

This return also creates a strong media effect, helping the Cubs strengthen the image of the team associated with history and legendary legacy. Many experts say that this is one of the most notable shocks in MLB in 2026, because not every legend is willing to return to the team in this way.
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