Cody Bellinger Returns to the Chicago Cubs with a Three-Year, $80 Million Contract
The Chicago Cubs received some exciting news on Sunday morning as they arrived at their spring-training facility in Mesa, Arizona. Cody Bellinger, the player they had been eagerly discussing all winter, was already waiting for them in the clubhouse cafeteria. Bellinger, who had faced skepticism from teams around the league regarding his 2023 comeback season, agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract late Saturday night. This deal was a significant discount from the $200 million-plus contract he had initially sought, but it provided him with the opportunity to prove his worth and demonstrate that he is still one of the elite players in the game.
Under the terms of the contract, Bellinger will earn $30 million in 2024, $30 million in 2025, and $20 million in 2026. He also has the ability to opt out of the deal and become a free agent after each season. This arrangement allows Bellinger to secure a high annual salary while giving the Cubs flexibility and protection in case he does not perform at the same level as before.
The news of Bellinger’s return was met with great excitement by his teammates. Kyle Hendricks, a veteran starter for the Cubs, expressed his joy, stating, “Just so excited man… Just to get it figured out for both sides is just so amazing for our ballclub.” Bellinger’s impact on and off the field was evident throughout the team. He led the Cubs in various statistical categories during his comeback season, including batting average, RBI, slugging percentage, and OPS. His 26 home runs were also the most since his MVP season in 2019.
Bellinger’s return was highly anticipated by Cubs fans, who had pleaded with ownership to re-sign him. The players themselves had lobbied for his return during spring training. After a three-month negotiation period, the Cubs’ patience paid off, and they were able to bring back the player they believed could be the missing piece to win the NL Central. The Cubs made several other moves during the offseason, including hiring manager Craig Counsell, signing Japanese starter Shota Imanaga, bringing in veteran reliever Hector Neris and outfielder David Peralta, and trading for infielder Michael Busch.
Bellinger’s arrival had such an impact that it pushed center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong back to the minors. Crow-Armstrong expressed his excitement, saying, “He reaches all aspects of this team, and hopefully he brings that same energy this year. I have all of the faith in the world that he will.” Bellinger’s presence not only contributed to the team’s success on the field but also provided a cool and calming influence in the clubhouse.
With Bellinger back on a bargain contract, the Cubs now have the opportunity to explore further moves in the free-agent market. They could potentially pursue starters Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, as well as third baseman Matt Chapman and DH J.D. Martinez. While the front office is not making any promises, they are open to making additional moves if the right opportunity arises.
The Cubs are aware that Bellinger’s return instantly makes them contenders for the NL Central title. However, they also recognize the need for further improvement. Shortstop Dansby Swanson, a big free-agent acquisition from the previous year, emphasized the importance of continuing to make progress. He stated, “It’s nice to keep it going, but at some point we’ve still got to improve… Now, it’s just time to make all that work.”
In conclusion, Cody Bellinger’s return to the Chicago Cubs with a three-year, $80 million contract has brought excitement and optimism to the team. Bellinger’s presence both on and off the field is highly valued by his teammates, and his return is seen as a significant step towards winning the NL Central. With the flexibility provided by Bellinger’s contract, the Cubs have the opportunity to explore further moves in the free-agent market and continue improving their roster. The team is determined to build on their success and make a strong push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.
