Chicago Cubs fans received thrilling news over the weekend regarding their star outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Despite speculation that he might opt out of his contract, the 28-year-old is now expected to remain with the team, according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Bellinger, currently in the first year of a three-year, $80 million deal, is set to earn $27.5 million next season.
Initial expectations after San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman’s massive contract extension led many to believe Bellinger might seek a similar long-term agreement elsewhere.
However, Bellinger has shifted course and will not exercise his opt-out clause, choosing instead to stay with the Cubs.
The Cubs, who briefly explored trading Bellinger at the July trade deadline after his slow start this season, are hopeful he can rediscover his MVP-caliber form.
Despite his numbers (.268 BA / 18 HRs / 59 RBIs / .768 OPS) being down from previous seasons, Bellinger remains a key figure in their lineup.
As the Cubs (77-73) push for a playoff spot, Bellinger’s performance will be crucial to their success down the stretch. (Although they’ll need a near-perfect finish to have any chance at clinching a postseason berth.)
Second baseman Nico Hoerner shared his thoughts on the team’s playoff chances, acknowledging the uphill battle ahead.
“There’s no hiding that,” Hoerner told The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney. “Of course, I’m looking to see if the Mets and Braves have won.
“Mathematically, it’s not in our control, right? We could win every game the rest of the year, and if they also win every game – like the Mets (seemingly) have – then you don’t go to the playoffs.
“Do we think we can do it? Yeah, we think we can continue to play really high-level baseball.”
Hoerner remains optimistic about the team’s chances.
“I like the schedule that we have in front of us. I like how our group is playing. And I like our chances of having a really high winning percentage the rest of the season,” he said,
“We can’t control what the other teams do, especially when we don’t play them. That’s where you wish you had those head-to-head opportunities to make up ground.”
Realistically, Chicago probably won’t be going on any sort of miracle run this season.
However, Cubs fans can be excited about the future, especially since they don’t have to worry about losing Bellinger.
What are your thoughts on the report that he’ll be staying in Chicago???