Cody Bellinger and Cubs Agree on 3-Year, $80 Million Deal: Sources
In a surprising turn of events, center fielder Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement on a three-year, $80 million contract, according to sources. This deal comes after Bellinger’s outstanding performance during the 2023 season with the Cubs, where he showcased his skills and proved himself as a valuable asset to the team.
The contract includes opt-outs for Bellinger after the first and second years, giving him the flexibility to reassess his options if he chooses to do so. He will earn a salary of $30 million for the upcoming season, followed by $30 million in 2025 (if he doesn’t opt out after the first year), and $20 million in 2026 (if he doesn’t opt out after the second year).
Bellinger’s decision to test free agency was driven by his desire to secure a mega-contract after his impressive performance in 2023. However, despite high expectations, a lucrative market failed to materialize for the talented outfielder. Bellinger’s situation mirrored that of Carlos Correa, who also shares the same agent, Scott Boras. Correa signed a three-year, $105 million contract with the Minnesota Twins before the 2022 season when no team offered a longer-term deal that met his expectations. After opting out following the first season, Correa eventually returned to the Twins on a six-year, $200 million deal.
Before joining the Cubs, Bellinger experienced two challenging seasons due to a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the 2020 playoffs. However, his health improved in 2023, allowing him to thrive and earn the National League Comeback Player of the Year award. Bellinger significantly reduced his strikeout rate and demonstrated his ability to excel against left-handed pitching, hitting .337 with a .984 OPS against them.
The Cubs have been patiently waiting for the right opportunity in the free agent market, which still includes notable players such as NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell, World Series star Jordan Montgomery, and All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman. Prior to signing Bellinger, the Cubs secured left-hander Shota Imanaga on a four-year, $53 million deal and added reliever Hector Neris on a one-year, $9 million contract. Additionally, they acquired former Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Michael Busch, who will be competing for the first-base job.
One of Bellinger’s strengths is his versatility, as he can play both first base and center field. The Cubs recognized and valued this versatility, utilizing him in the outfield for 84 games and in the infield for 59 games during the previous season. Bellinger’s exceptional performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and was named NL Most Valuable Player in 2019, solidified his reputation as a dual-position star.
However, Bellinger experienced a decline in performance during the COVID-shortened 2020 season and struggled even more in 2021, resulting in a non-tender by the Dodgers. Despite these setbacks, Bellinger’s potential and past achievements made him an attractive option for the Cubs, who believe in his ability to bounce back and contribute significantly to their team.
Bellinger’s journey to secure a new contract was not without its challenges. The initial price tag set by his camp was deemed too high by many general managers, and as time went on, fewer teams were willing to commit to significant spending. The uncertainty surrounding local-television broadcast rights also played a role in teams’ reluctance to invest heavily in free agents. With the exception of the Dodgers, who have committed over $1 billion, no team has surpassed the $200 million mark in free agent spending.
Overall, Cody Bellinger’s return to the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million deal marks an exciting development for both the player and the team. Bellinger’s exceptional skills and versatility, combined with the Cubs’ strategic moves in the free agent market, position them well for the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await Bellinger’s return to the field and anticipate the impact he will have on the Cubs’ success.
