The Chicago Cubs recently hosted their annual ‘Cubs Convention,’ a gathering of fans at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. The event buzzed with excitement as players, coaches, and front office members discussed the upcoming season and celebrated the anticipation of a fresh start.
However, a prevailing theme dominated the conversations — the conspicuous absence of Cody Bellinger. The Cubs’ free agency activity, or rather the lack thereof, has raised concerns among fans. While the signing of Japanese ace Shota Imanaga earned praise, the lineup still has a noticeable gap that only Bellinger seems poised to fill.
In the previous season, Bellinger’s comeback with the Cubs marked a return to stardom. After challenging years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he signed a one-year, prove-it contract with Chicago, delivering a stellar performance with a .307/.356/.525 slash line, 26 home runs, and 97 RBIs.
Despite concerns about his hard-hit metrics, Bellinger’s disciplined hitting and high sweet-spot percentage (86th percentile) showcased his value. The Cubs, in their present composition, lack the offensive firepower that Bellinger provides, making his potential departure a cause for worry.
While the front office remains cautious about the financial aspect, players at Cubs Con, including All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ, emphasized the critical need to re-sign Bellinger. Swanson emphatically stated, “Before we get to next year, we got to re-sign Belli.” Happ commended Bellinger not only for his baseball skills but also for his positive presence in the locker room.
Fans echoed their sentiments, chanting “CO-DY! CO-DY!” during the event, putting direct pressure on Cubs’ GM Jed Hoyer. Now, it’s a matter of whether the Cubs can offer a contract that meets the expectations of the 28-year-old outfielder.
The Cubs recognize Bellinger’s value both on and off the field. As they aim to build on last season’s narrow postseason miss, Bellinger’s role becomes pivotal. However, uncertainties linger due to his injury history and contract demands, which reportedly exceed $200 million.
Recent reports indicate potential competition from the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners in luring Bellinger away from Chicago. As Bellinger’s free agency period persists, the Cubs face the challenge of securing a deal that aligns with their vision while navigating the evolving dynamics of the market. The longer the wait, the more favorable the outlook for the Cubs, but the true outcome remains unknown until the ink dries on the contract.