MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo
At one point, the 21st century face of the Cubs might easily have been Sammy Sosa. He was, after all, a dominant figure in the sport through 2004. But Sosa’s departure from the North Side under suspicious circumstances undermined his candidacy.
Then it might have been pitchers Kerry Wood or Mark Prior. But arm injuries undid their chances.
Under different emotional circumstances, it might have become Kris Bryant, its slugging third baseman. But injuries combined with sub-surface discontent over his contract status soured Bryant’s relationship with the club.
Even though Anthony Rizzo now plies his trade in The Bronx, process of elimination labels him s the Cubs’ face. During his 10-season tenure on the North Side, Rizzo topped 30 home runs four times, drove in 100 or more runs four times, and was a three-time All-Star.
Oh, and we probably shouldn’t forget his leadership role on the first Cubs team in 108 seasons to win a World Series.
In the wings: The Cubs have a lot of young players who could, in time, develop into a franchise face. Infielder Nico Hoerner, pitcher Justin Steele, and outfield prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong all could in time do so. But perhaps the most likely candidate, assuming he remains, is outfielder Ian Happ.
Happ had the best season of his career in 2022, producing .781 OPS. The question with Happ is his long-term status; he’s a free agent after this coming season.