In a revealing interview, former Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo shared his deep regret about leaving the team that made him a household name. The once-celebrated first baseman, who was a cornerstone of the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory, admitted that his decision to leave Chicago may have been one of the biggest mistakes of his career.
Since departing the Cubs in 2021 and joining the New York Yankees, Rizzo’s career has been on a downward spiral. The 35-year-old veteran has struggled with injuries, including a significant concussion that affected his ability to perform at a high level. His once-elite bat has been quiet, with a subpar OPS of .637 last season, and his struggles have been compounded by the reality of aging in a game that rewards youth and health.
In his first public comments about his departure from the Cubs, Rizzo didn’t mince words.
“I regret leaving Chicago. It’s been a tough road since then. The Cubs were home, and I let that slip away,” Rizzo admitted in a candid interview. “I thought I was making the right choice, but now, looking back, I wish I had stayed. Chicago meant everything to me. I was part of something special, and walking away from that… it just feels wrong now.”
The former Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star has faced more than just a decline in performance. His free-agent status this offseason has been a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change in the league. Despite being one of the most respected players during his prime, Rizzo now finds himself without a contract, watching as younger players and even former teammates continue to thrive while he battles through injury-riddled seasons.
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“The way things ended in New York… it wasn’t ideal,” Rizzo said. “The injuries, the struggles, it’s hard to feel like yourself when your body isn’t cooperating. I’m grateful for the time I had with the Yankees, but I miss being with the Cubs. That’s where I felt I could make the biggest impact.”
The question on the minds of many fans and analysts alike: Could a return to Chicago be in the cards for Rizzo? The Cubs have undergone a rebuilding process since his departure, with new stars like Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson leading the charge. However, Rizzo’s bond with the Cubs organization is undeniable, and his presence in the clubhouse was once seen as a key factor in the team’s success.
While a reunion with the Cubs may seem unlikely given Rizzo’s current struggles, insiders have hinted that the Cubs could be open to a veteran presence on a short-term, team-friendly deal. Manager David Ross, who shared a strong relationship with Rizzo during their time together in Chicago, didn’t rule out the possibility when asked about the idea of bringing the former captain back.
“Riz was a huge part of this team, and we’re always open to ways to improve,” Ross said. “We’re focused on building a winning culture, and if that means adding a veteran presence with a winning mindset, we’ll explore all options.”
However, Rizzo himself is cautiously optimistic. Despite his regrets, he understands that a return to the Cubs would require him to prove he’s still capable of performing at a high level.
“I know I have to earn it,” Rizzo said. “I’ve got to get my body right and prove I can still contribute. If Chicago ever gave me that chance again, I’d be honored, but right now, I’ve got to focus on getting back to being the player I was.”
As Rizzo works to regain his form and find a new team, one thing is clear: his heart still belongs to Chicago. Fans of the Cubs will undoubtedly be watching his journey closely, wondering if there’s a chance for one of the most beloved players in recent Cubs history to return to the team that gave him a legacy.
Could Anthony Rizzo’s return to the Cubs be on the horizon? Only time will tell, but if he has anything to say about it, he’s ready to make amends and once again be a part of the team that brought him the ultimate glory in 2016.
