The Chicago Cubs have secured a deal with their standout outfielder Cody Bellinger, which includes a three-year contract valued at around $80 million, effectively concluding his lengthy free agency. Cody truly earned this opportunity to return to the Cubs after his remarkable performance in the 2023 MLB season.

Introduction

On Sunday, February 25th, 2024 the Chicago Cubs According to reports, the new agreement for the 28-year-old Bellinger includes several opt-out provisions. Specifically, he can opt out after both the first and second years of the contract. For the upcoming 2024 MLB season, he will earn $30 million, with a similar amount for 2025, contingent upon him not opting out after the initial year, followed by $20 million for 2026, if he chooses not to opt out after the second year.

Contract Specifics

In a successful season, Cody posted impressive statistics, finishing with a batting average of .307, an on-base percentage of .356, and a slugging percentage of .525, along with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. Bellinger had anticipated landing a lucrative long-term contract.

Despite the anticipation, a fully competitive market for his skills did not emerge from other MLB teams. Bellinger seems to have taken a similar career route as Carlos Correa, who has the same agent, Scott Boras. MLB free agency market Before the 2022 MLB season, Correa had a three-year contract worth nearly $105 million with the Minnesota Twins after failing to receive any longer-term offers that piqued his interest. He opted out after the first year of that deal and later returned to the Minnesota Twins on a six-year, $200 million contract, following some medical challenges that affected potential contracts with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.

The completion of the contract is now awaiting a physical examination which is expected to happen within the next week.

Bellinger\"s new deal with the Chicago Cubs Bellinger's successful health during the 2023 MLB season allowed him to shine, earning him the title of National League Comeback Player of the Year. He placed tenth in the National League MVP voting and significantly improved his performance against left-handed pitchers, showing a notable reduction in his strikeout rate.

Cody Bellinger

Before returning to the Chicago Cubs, Cody had endured two challenging seasons marked by a shoulder injury from the 2020 MLB postseason. Although his average exit velocity dropped to a career-low 87.9 mph in 2023, he adapted his swing mechanics to make better contact while reducing strikeouts, achieving a remarkable low whiff rate and demonstrating strong batting in clutch situations.

Cody rejoins a Chicago Cubs team that has strategically navigated the free agency landscape, which still features notable talents like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman.

Updates to the Chicago Cubs' lineup for the 2024 MLB season

Following the acquisition of left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga, who signed a four-year, $53 million deal, the Cubs also brought in relief pitcher Hector Neris under a one-year, $9 million agreement. Additionally, they traded for former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Michael Busch, who aims to compete for the starting first-base position on this year's team.

Cody is versatile enough to play first base and various outfield positions. His ability to adapt and perform in multiple roles was crucial for the Cubs last season, where he played extensively in both the outfield and infield. Bellinger first showcased his potential as a dual-position star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017 and the National League MVP in 2019 with outstanding statistics.

Versatility on the Diamond

Bellinger's performance dipped significantly during the COVID-shortened 2020 MLB season and continued to decline in 2021, where he struggled with his batting average. Even as he faced health issues in 2022, he had a respectable but underwhelming season and was subsequently non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Subsequently, Cody joined the Cubs for $17.5 million, where he was able to showcase his skills and walked away with a commendable performance, ultimately opting out of a $25 million option for the following season and entering a free agency market that initially showed promise for a top-tier hitter. However, general managers were hesitant about the initial asking price, which resulted in fewer teams willing to make a competitive offer.

MLB teams have cited uncertainties regarding local TV contracts as a driving factor for their reluctance to invest significant amounts. Apart from the few teams that committed extensive financial resources, the San Francisco Giants stood out as the highest-spending team at $207.25 million. Silver Slugger Award Some of Bellinger's notable accomplishments, accolades, and awards include:

Winner of the National League Rookie of the Year Award (2017) Los Angeles Dodgers Recipient of the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award (2023)

"The Cubs and Cody Bellinger have come to an agreement on a 3-year, $80 million deal.\"

• 2 - Time MLB All - Star Selection (2017, 2019)
• World Series Champion (2020)
• National League MVP Award Winner (2019)
• NLCS MVP Award Winner (2018)
• All - MLB First Team Selection (2019)
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• Gold Glove Award Winner (2019)
• 2 - Time Silver Slugger Award Winner (2019, 2023)

Sources:

The Chicago Cubs have officially welcomed outfielder Cody Bellinger, signing him to a three-year contract. , Jeff Passan, espn.com, February 25, 2024.

“Cody Bellinger” , baseball-reference.com, February 25, 2024.

Written by: Michael Shackleford