Cody Bellinger has spent all the offseason on the free agent as one of the few big names left. Spring Training has started, and in-game action has begun with Bellinger without a home. As the offseason has gone on, it seemed almost inevitable that Bellinger and the team he spent 2023 with, the Chicago Cubs, would agree to a deal. That deal happened in the early morning hours on Sunday, and Bellinger is now on his way back to the Northside of Chicago. Per Jeff Passan, the Cubs and Bellinger agreed to a 3-year, $80 million contract. The deal contains opt-outs for Bellinger after each of the deal’s first two years.
BREAKING: Centerfielder Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a three-year, $80 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Bellinger will receive opt-outs after each of the first two years of the deal. Bellinger, 28, returns to the Cubs after a prolonged free agency.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2024
Cody Bellinger’s salary on his deal with the Chicago Cubs will pay him $30 million this season, $30 million in 2025 (if he doesn’t opt out after Year 1) and $20 million in 2026 (if he doesn’t opt out after Year 2).
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2024
This All-Star Outfielder Is Returning To The Cubs
It’s easy to forget that Bellinger was a former National League MVP in 2019. From 2017-2019, he looked like a promising star for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 2020-2022 was a different story for Bellinger, as injuries and struggles at the plate led to his eventual departure from Los Angeles. In 2023, he found a new home in Chicago and returned to the form that made him a two-time All-Star. He hit 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 153 hits, and even recorded 20 stolen bases. He slashed .307/.356/.525. The two opt-outs indicate that Bellinger might not be long for the Northside. If he has another big year and proves that 2023 was a true return to form, he will look to hit the market again and get the contract he wants.
Bellinger Adds To A Playoff Caliber Team
For now, though, Bellinger will be a Cub in 2024, joining a team with playoff aspirations. The National League Central is open for anybody, and the Cubs seem to be the consensus favorite. Bellinger returns to a lineup that features Christopher Morel, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ. There’s also top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. The Cubs did well by getting a deal done with Bellinger, and now he can help them potentially return to the playoffs.
Main Photo Credits: Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
