Cody Bellinger signed an eighty million dollar contract, purportedly for three years, with the Chicago Cubs after leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger’s journey to this contract has been marked by ups and downs, mirroring the fluctuations in his on-field performance.
After struggling with the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022, Bellinger staged a remarkable comeback season with the Cubs in 2023, reigniting interest from potential suitors in the offseason.
Despite his undeniable talent, concerns lingered among teams about Bellinger’s consistency, especially considering his drastic swings in productivity during his tenure with the Dodgers.
However, Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, attributed his client’s decline to injuries suffered in 2020 and 2021, emphasizing Bellinger’s potential when fully healthy.
Several teams initially expressed interest in Bellinger, but as the offseason progressed, many opted for more cost-effective options or addressed their needs through other acquisitions. The Cubs emerged as the frontrunners for Bellinger’s services, particularly after a deal with the San Francisco Giants fell through due to the Giants signing Jung Hoo Lee.
Cody Bellinger’s Fresh Start
Cody Bellinger’s return to the Cubs was facilitated by their need for a reliable center fielder, a role initially earmarked for rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong.
However, Crow-Armstrong’s struggles in a brief September stint necessitated a more experienced presence in the outfield, making Bellinger an attractive proposition for the Cubs.
The agreement with Bellinger adds another dimension to the Cubs’ roster and provides stability in the outfield alongside promising prospects. As Bellinger joins the Cubs, he brings with him a wealth of experience, highlighted by his Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
The deal with Bellinger also underscores the ongoing negotiations between Boras and several other high-profile free agents, including Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez, all of whom remain unsigned as of late February.
For Bellinger, the move to Chicago represents a fresh start and an opportunity to recapture the form that made him one of baseball’s most electrifying talents earlier in his career. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Cubs, both he and the team will be eager to make a statement in the upcoming season.
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