Cody Bellinger, one of the top free agents of the 2023-24 class, has finally found a new home with the Chicago Cubs. After a period of uncertainty, Bellinger signed a three-year deal worth $80 million. The contract includes opt-outs after the first two years, giving Bellinger flexibility in his future. This signing marks a resurgence for the former MVP and showcases the strength of his performance with the Cubs in the 2023 season.
Bellinger’s return to Chicago is surprising considering he was non-tendered by his previous team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s rare for a former MVP to find himself in this situation, leading many to believe that his days as a productive player were over. However, Bellinger proved his doubters wrong with an impressive season in Chicago. In 130 games, he slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 20 stolen bases. His strong performance both at the plate and in the field earned him a WAR of 4.4, second only to his MVP campaign in 2019.
While improved health played a role in Bellinger’s comeback season, it was his change in approach at the plate that truly made a difference. He traded quality of contact for more frequent contact, resulting in career-best numbers in terms of strikeout percentage and whiff rate. This trade-off is uncommon in today’s game, where hitters prioritize power numbers. Bellinger’s willingness to adapt and focus on making contact paid off, even if it meant sacrificing some batted-ball authority.
Another factor that contributed to Bellinger’s success was his improved batting average on balls in play (BABIP). Last season, he posted a BABIP of .319, significantly higher than his career average of .277. While luck does play a role in BABIP, Bellinger’s swing and approach changes may have made him more inclined to achieve higher BABIP numbers.
Furthermore, Bellinger’s left-handedness, good sprint speed, and the banning of the infield shift worked in his favor. He batted .303 on ground balls in the 2023 season compared to a .254 average in previous years. The absence of the shift allowed him to take advantage of the gaps in the infield, resulting in more hits.
Bellinger’s improvements were not limited to his offensive performance. He also excelled defensively, particularly in center field. His Outs Above Average (OAA) ranking placed him in the 82nd percentile, highlighting his skills as a fly-catcher. Bellinger’s defensive prowess extends to first base as well, but his value is maximized when he plays in center field. At just 28 years old, he has the potential to maintain his running and catching abilities for years to come.
Even if Bellinger’s bounce-back season proves to be somewhat illusory, his overall value as a player remains high. His defensive skills and baserunning abilities provide a solid foundation that can offset any potential decline at the plate. However, if his emphasis on contact proves to be sustainable, Bellinger has the potential to continue performing at a star level in the upcoming seasons.
In conclusion, Cody Bellinger’s signing with the Chicago Cubs marks a resurgence for the former MVP. His strong performance in the 2023 season, coupled with his improved approach at the plate, showcases his ability to adapt and thrive. With his defensive skills and baserunning abilities, Bellinger brings value beyond his offensive contributions. Whether he maintains his success or faces regression, Bellinger’s presence on the Cubs’ roster will undoubtedly make an impact in the years to come.