The Chicago Cubs are facing a dilemma in their pursuit of free agent Cody Bellinger. While the team is keen to retain the talented outfielder, they are hesitant to meet his substantial contract demands. This uncertainty has led to a potential shift in the Cubs’ plans as they explore alternative options.
Bellinger, who signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs to rediscover his batting prowess, has successfully rebounded at the plate during the past season. Now, he is seeking a long-term, guaranteed deal worth approximately $250 million. However, the Cubs are deliberating whether such a hefty investment is justified.
Negotiations between the Cubs and Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, have centered around an offer in the range of $200 million. Yet, reports suggest that Boras remains unyielding, awaiting a reconsideration of the offer by the club.
Previously, Bellinger was a formidable presence in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup since his MLB debut in 2017. He earned the NL MVP title in 2019 and contributed to the Dodgers’ World Series victory in 2020. However, a series of injuries in the subsequent years disrupted his performance, leading to the lowest on-base percentage (OBP) among eligible batters at .265 and a batting average of .210, with a striking out frequency of roughly one in every three at-bats.
His fortunes changed with the Cubs, as Cody Bellinger experienced a resurgence in the past season, ultimately earning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award. He delivered an impressive stat line, boasting 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and a batting slash line of .307/.356/.525. Despite initially agreeing to a one-year contract with the Cubs, the 28-year-old opted to explore free agency.
Bellinger is among the prominent left-handed power hitters currently available in the free-agent market. This offseason has witnessed a substantial demand for such hitters, with notable signings like Juan Soto’s trade to the New York Yankees and Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking $700 million, ten-year contract with the Dodgers. Even the San Francisco Giants secured Jung-Hoo Lee with a significant $113 million deal. Consequently, Bellinger stands as one of the few remaining left-handed outfielders with considerable offensive prowess up for grabs.