Cody Bellinger agrees to three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with centerfielder Cody Bellinger on a three-year, $80 million contract, sources have confirmed. After an outstanding 2023 season with the Cubs, Bellinger returns to the team following a successful free agency period.
According to sources, the deal includes opt-out clauses for Bellinger after the first and second years. He is set to earn a $30 million salary in the upcoming season, with $30 million in 2025 (if he doesn’t opt out of the first year) and $20 million in 2026 (if he doesn’t opt out of the second year).
Bellinger, 28, entered free agency looking for a lucrative contract after an impressive performance in the previous season, where he achieved a .307 batting average, .356 on-base percentage, and .525 slugging percentage. However, the expected robust market failed to materialize, leading Bellinger to follow a similar path to that of Carlos Correa, who is also represented by Scott Boras.
Correa signed a three-year, $105 million deal with the Minnesota Twins before the 2022 season, after no team offered him a longer-term contract that he found worthy. He opted out of the deal after the first season and eventually returned to the Twins on a six-year, $200 million contract.
In 2023, Bellinger enjoyed a remarkable season, earning the title of National League Comeback Player of the Year. He significantly improved his performance, lowering his strikeout rate and excelling against left-handed pitching. Bellinger’s ability to make contact improved as well, resulting in a career-low whiff rate. All these factors contributed to his successful campaign and a 10th-place finish in NL MVP voting.
Prior to joining the Cubs, Bellinger faced challenges due to a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the 2020 playoffs. He also experienced a decline in average exit velocity. However, Bellinger showcased his adaptability by adjusting his swing with two strikes, leading to softer contact and fewer strikeouts. Additionally, he demonstrated versatility by playing both in the outfield and the infield.
The Cubs’ patience during the free agent market paid off, enabling them to secure Bellinger’s return. Their roster also includes notable players such as Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman. With the addition of left-hander Shota Imanaga and reliever Hector Neris, the Cubs have aimed to reinforce their pitching staff.
Bellinger’s signing raises questions about the future trends in MLB free agency. His struggle to secure a mega-contract despite his impressive statistics reflects a hesitancy among general managers to commit to high-price signings. One reason cited is the uncertainty surrounding local-television broadcast rights.
However, the Cubs’ successful acquisition of Bellinger indicates that teams willing to spend money can still attract top talent. It will be interesting to observe whether more teams will follow suit and exceed the $200 million mark in free agent spending.
As the game continues to evolve, players like Cody Bellinger serve as valuable assets due to their versatility and ability to make adjustments. The Cubs’ decision to bring him back demonstrates their recognition of his potential impact on the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.
With the MLB landscape constantly evolving, it is crucial for teams to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of free agency, contract negotiations, and player performance. The signing of Cody Bellinger not only solidifies the Cubs’ roster but also sparks discussions and speculations regarding future trends within the industry.
As fans eagerly await the start of another thrilling MLB season, the signing of Cody Bellinger serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that lies ahead. Whether it is on the field or behind the scenes, the baseball world continues to captivate and intrigue fans around the globe.