3 Contract Extensions the Cubs Should Still Pursue This Offseason

The Chicago Cubs are not where they want to be financially, but that's just too bad. A billionaire owner, regardless of how much money is being invested in other ventures, needs to prioritize the product on the field. And considering the Cubs have spent $0 in free agency this offseason, it's time to take care of the players on the roster that have kept this team in the thick of the playoff race the past five years.

Assuming the Kris Bryant bridge is fully incinerated -- which we can probably safely assert at this point -- let's take a look at three other contracts the Cubs should look to extend this offseason.

3. Anthony Rizzo

Chicago Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo / Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

If Anthony Rizzo isn't the embodiment of the Cubs' remarkable resurgence over the past five years, then we don't know who is. The three-time All-Star is 30 years old, but he still has plenty left in the tank, as evidenced by his impressive 2019 campaign that saw him club 27 homers with an OPS of .924. Chicago has had Rizzo under a very favorable team-friendly contract for eight years now, so it's only appropriate to extend him and lock him up for the foreseeable future.

2. Willson Contreras

Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Remember when those Willson Contreras trade rumors popped up earlier this offseason? They were sure funny. Why in the world would the Cubs trade one of the best young catchers in the game, especially considering how hard it is to come by a reliable backstop in general? The smart move here is to extend Contreras through his two remaining arbitration years and beyond. It'll be a money saver in the long run and keep all parties happy. What's even better is that Contreras is entering his best years right now, so, if the Cubs can get him signed for two more years after his arbitration, they'd undoubtedly be securing him for his prime.

1. Javier Baez

Chicago Cubs SS Javier Baez / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Don't say you didn't see this coming. Sorry, Ricketts, this deal won't be cheap, but it's 100% necessary. Javy is the heart and soul of this team, and they don't call him El Mago for nothing. He's among the best all-around players in the game thanks to his trustworthy glove and clutch bat. Baez is a once-in-a-generation type player and he should be rewarded for what he's achieved over the past two years, especially since he'll be a free agent come 2022.