(CHICAGO) — The ultimate emotional and strategic surprise of the Chicago Cubs’ offseason has landed: Legendary World Series champion and former first baseman Anthony Rizzo has officially rejoined the organization for the 2026 season as a Secondary Assistant Coach.
This decision, which followed weeks of quiet negotiations after Rizzo retired as a Cub and became a team ambassador, immediately sent shockwaves and excitement through the fanbase. Rizzo’s return is not just sentimental; it’s a direct attempt to inject the “2016 spirit” back into the clubhouse, directly supporting Manager Craig Counsell.
The Role: Mentor and Culture Setter
Rizzo’s new role is unique. He will focus less on traditional position coaching (like hitting or defense) and more on the intangible elements that the Cubs’ young core—including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw, and Cade Horton—needs to transition from talented prospects to championship players.
His responsibilities will include:
- Locker Room Support:Â Serving as a bridge between the front office, the coaching staff, and the current players, offering a veteran voice who has won at the highest level.
- Young Player Development: Specifically mentoring the team’s developing stars on handling the pressure of Wrigley Field and the Chicago media spotlight.
Rizzo, the heart and soul of the 2016 curse-breaking team, shared his motivation behind the surprising move:
“Returning to the Cubs in this way is a great honor. I want to help the young players develop and keep the team’s fighting spirit,” Rizzo stated. “This place is special because of the standard we set a decade ago. It’s my job now to make sure that standard—that never-say-die attitude—is something these guys live and breathe every single day.”
Fan Excitement and Strategic Impact
For fans, the decision is a massive boost of morale, instantly recalling the great successes of the mid-2010s. For the organization, the move is deeply strategic.
Manager Craig Counsell, who never managed Rizzo but faced him as a fierce rival in the NL Central, now gains one of the most respected voices in baseball history. The hope is that Rizzo’s presence will serve as a constant, daily reminder of what it takes to win in Chicago, effectively addressing the “culture fit” questions that have lingered around the team in recent seasons.
Rizzo’s return signals that the Cubs are doing everything possible to create a winning environment, bringing the legacy of their championship era directly into the dugout.
