Should the Cubs Retire Anthony Rizzo’s No. 44?

Anthony Rizzo’s retirement this week has reignited a passionate debate in Chicago. Should the Cubs retire his iconic No. 44 jersey?

His career numbers don’t quite hit the usual Hall of Fame marks. But his impact on the franchise—especially as a core leader of the 2016 team that ended the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought—has fans and analysts weighing stats against legacy.

This is one of those debates that gets to the heart of how teams honor players. Sometimes it’s not about gaudy stats, but about the mark someone leaves on a team’s history.

Anthony Rizzo’s Career by the Numbers

Over 14 MLB seasons, including 10 with the Cubs, Anthony Rizzo racked up 303 home runs, 965 RBI, and a 40.4 WAR (Wins Above Replacement). Those are solid stats by any measure, though they don’t quite reach the Hall of Fame bar.

The Cubs usually reserve retired numbers for true legends—names like Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and Greg Maddux. Even Hall of Famers like Lee Smith and Andre Dawson haven’t gotten that honor, despite their stellar runs in Chicago.

Where Rizzo Ranks in Franchise History

In Cubs history, Rizzo sits 24th all-time in WAR, ahead of a bunch of beloved players. His numbers actually stack up pretty well when you compare him to Mark Grace, who was a Cubs icon with even stronger offensive production, yet his number still gets handed out.

So if you’re looking at pure stats, Rizzo lands in that gray area. He’s definitely memorable, but maybe not overwhelming by the numbers alone.

The Intangibles: Heart and Leadership

Honestly, what sets Rizzo apart isn’t just what shows up in the box score. When he arrived in Chicago in 2012, he became the team’s emotional heartbeat as they went from perennial also-rans to World Series champs.

He was the captain in spirit, and his voice carried weight in the clubhouse and with fans. Rizzo wasn’t just a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner—he was the face of a team that started to believe in itself when history said otherwise.

The 2016 Postseason Heroics

When the Cubs finally broke through in 2016, Rizzo came through under the brightest lights. In his final 10 playoff games that year, he hit .410 and delivered clutch hits that changed the course of entire series.

He caught the final out of Game 7 of the World Series—one of baseball’s most iconic moments. That play sealed his place in Cubs lore, no question.

This wasn’t just any championship. It ended a 108-year drought, and for generations of Cubs fans, Rizzo’s role in that win is burned into memory.

Should the Cubs Retire No. 44?

The question’s still out there: should Anthony Rizzo’s No. 44 hang in the rafters at Wrigley? There’s a strong case for it:

• He put in a decade of service, one of the longest runs for any Cub lately.
• He’s a top-25 Cub in WAR, ahead of plenty of celebrated players.
• His leadership and postseason heroics directly fueled the team’s greatest moment.
• He’s the most symbolic player from that 2016 championship run.

A New Standard for Jersey Retirement?

The Cubs have mostly saved this honor for Hall of Famers. But Rizzo’s case might be the start of a shift—recognizing players who, even if they won’t end up in Cooperstown, defined an era and left an undeniable mark on the team’s identity.

Retiring No. 44 wouldn’t just be about numbers. It’d be about acknowledging that sports history is made with moments, leadership, and the ability to inspire a city—not just with records and awards.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Rizzo’s career with the Cubs is about way more than just skill on the field. It’s a story of loyalty, leadership, and breaking a long, stubborn curse.

Sure, his stats might fall just short of the Hall of Fame. But honestly, his impact on Chicago’s baseball culture makes him stand out as one of the most deserving players for a jersey retirement.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Should the Cubs retire Anthony Rizzo’s No. 44? Making the case for and against as the 2016 champion retires