Chicago, Illinois – American baseball is buzzing with surprising news: former Chicago Cubs captain and icon Anthony Rizzo is reportedly very close to returning to the Cubs in a completely new role – senior advisor – with a contract worth approximately $10 million.

While there has been no official announcement from the team, multiple internal MLB sources reveal that the deal is almost complete, marking an emotional return for one of the most iconic figures of the modern Cubs era.

According to sources close to the team, Rizzo’s new role isn’t direct on-court coaching, but rather strategic advising and team culture development, focusing on:

Mentoring young players
Building locker room spirit
Supporting community and Cubs brand development
Representing the team’s image in MLB activities

An anonymous Cubs official shared:

“Anthony isn’t just a former player. He’s been the Cubs’ DNA for over a decade. Bringing him back is a way to connect the team’s past, present, and future.”

The Chicago Cubs were where Rizzo built his reputation, becoming the spiritual leader of the golden generation and one of the key factors in helping the Cubs end their century-long World Series championship drought in 2016.

Throughout his playing career, Rizzo stood out not only for his consistent offense and excellent defense, but also for his leadership role in the locker room – making him considered the “heart” of the team.

A former teammate commented:

“You can’t teach a presence like Rizzo’s. He walks into the room and everyone focuses. That’s the quality of a true leader.”

The $10 million price tag for the advisory role is becoming a major topic of debate in the sports world. Some experts believe this isn’t simply a “consultant” deal, but part of the Cubs’ long-term strategy to:

Keep the team icon with the team for the long term
Increase appeal to young players
Strengthen the brand after the 2016 World Series
Build a bridge between the old and new generations

One MLB analyst commented:

“This is an investment in a ‘winning culture.’ Rizzo brings not only baseball knowledge, but also the Cubs’ identity.”

What makes this deal special is how the Cubs want to use Rizzo as a non-traditional leadership role model.

No longer focusing on OPS or home runs, Rizzo will concentrate on:

Mentally improving the young players’ game
Handling the pressure of the Chicago market
Inspiring others with his journey of overcoming illness and a long career
Connecting the fan community

An internal source added:

“He’s not here to sit in an office. Rizzo will be present in everything – from Spring Training to the small talk in the locker room.”

As soon as the news leaked, the Cubs fan community exploded on social media. Thousands of comments called it a “true homecoming.”

One fan wrote:

“He never really left. Rizzo has always been the Cubs.”

Meanwhile, many see this as an emotional yet strategic move by the team’s leadership during a rebuilding phase.

In the eyes of many, Rizzo is more than just a former Cubs player – he is a part of the team’s modern history.

From the difficult rebuilding years to the historic championship moment, Rizzo has always been a symbol of perseverance and belief.

Now, returning as an advisor, he may no longer be in the spotlight every night, but his influence is expected to continue for years to come.

If officially confirmed, this deal is not just a $10 million contract – it’s a declaration that the Cubs are rebuilding their identity with the very people who made history.

And for Rizzo, the journey may never truly end.

“Once a Cub, always a Cub,” a former team employee said.

In an increasingly rapidly changing world of sports, Anthony Rizzo’s return offers a rare sense of familiarity: loyalty, legacy, and timeless connection.

And this time, he’s not returning to score more home runs – but to help the next generation learn how to create them.