Exciting Cubs-Cody Bellinger Reunion Update Emerges
There's widespread belief that the Cubs and free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger will reunite this offseason.
By Jovan Alford
As we get closer to Spring Training, the Chicago Cubs will look to make a couple of last-minute signings and upgrades to the roster. Earlier this month, the Cubs signed Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga to a four-year deal to solidify the starting rotation.
However, Chicago still has some question marks surrounding the batting order. The Cubs were linked to multiple free-agent sluggers this offseason, including Cody Bellinger. Bellinger hasn’t received many offers, which could give the Cubs the inside to bring him back for the foreseeable future.
Cubs Rumors: Industry Believes Bellinger, Cubs Will Reunite
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote on Saturday that the Cubs are viewed as favorites to re-sign the 28-year-old Bellinger. Feinsand added, “The widespread belief within the industry is that Bellinger and Cubs will reunite, but only if/when his asking price comes down.”
The veteran slugger is coming off an excellent 2023 season with Chicago, where he slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI. The last time Bellinger hit .300 or better was in 2019 with the Dodgers (.305 with 47 HRs and 115 RBI), where he was also named an All-Star and won NL MVP.
Last season, Bellinger had a scorching second-half run that kept the Cubs in the thick of things for one of the three wild card spots in the National League. The outfielder hit .313 with 17 home runs and 68 RBI.
If the Cubs were to re-sign Bellinger, it would give them an everyday centerfielder and someone who can play first base if needed. As of right now, the Cubs’ starting centerfielder would be Pete Crow-Armstrong, who made his long-awaited major league debut last season.
There’s a possibility that even if Bellinger comes back, Chicago could consider moving him to first base full-time, especially if they like Crow-Armstrong’s glove and defense in the outfield.
Spotrac projected Bellinger’s market value at a five-year, $112.5 million deal, with an average annual salary of $22.5 million. With not many teams bidding on Bellinger’s services, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Cubbies bring back Bellinger at a discount.
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