Cody Bellinger signed with the Chicago Cubs this offseason with the hopes of experiencing a reclamation year that he could turn into a huge contract the following winter. After playing at an All-Star level this past season, Bellinger’s bet paid off.
The 28-year-old outfielder and first baseman enjoyed his best season since his NL MVP campaign in 2019. After signing a one-year contract for a $12 million salary in 2023, Bellinger posted the third-highest OPS (.881) and delivered the second-most RBI (97) in a season of his career.
- Cody Bellinger stats 2023: .307/.356/.525, .881 OPS, 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 20 steals in 130 games
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Originally signed to a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2024 season at a $12 million salary, Bellinger will decline the added year and become a free agent. With several MLB teams interested in the two-time All-Star, it appears his days in Chicago are numbered.
During a recent appearance on REKAP, ESPN 100’s David Kaplan reported there’s a buzz from the Cubs’ organization that Bellinger likely won’t be re-signed this winter. While Chicago could bring Bellinger back and move him to first base, opening up a spot in the outfield for Pete Crow-Armstrong, that doesn’t seem to be a realistic option under consideration.
“I keep hearing and I heard from someone tonight, they’re probably not going to get Bellinger re-signed. The person I talked to tonight said, ‘We’ve already got a center fielder: Pete Crow-Armstrong.’ He still hasn’t gotten his first career hit, but I like him. He’s a good prospect. I said, ‘Who’s your first baseman?’ ‘It’s a first baseman, it doesn’t matter.”
Dave Kaplan on Chicago Cubs likely losing Cody Bellinger
The disregard for the first base position by the anonymous Cubs official is a bit surprising. While it’s understandable why Chicago wants Crow-Armstrong to be a mainstay in the lineup next season and beyond, the lineup is better with Bellinger in it.
- Cody Bellinger career earnings: $64 million
Of course, money might have an even bigger influence on the process. Bellinger proved to be a bargain this year at $12 million and he’s still worth it when tacking on the $5.5 million buyout. However, Bellinger will now be seeking a far more lucrative contract.
Losing Bellinger would leave a substantial hole in the Cubs’ lineup. However, the money not spent on the World Series champion could go towards a pitching staff that ranked 14th in ERA (4.08) and 15th in WHIP (1.28) this season.
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