The Chicago Cubs have officially announced the signing of Cody Bellinger to a lucrative three-year contract worth $80 million. This agreement includes provisions that grant Bellinger the option to opt out after the first and second years, giving the versatile 28-year-old player the opportunity to explore free agency once more following the conclusion of the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This move solidifies the Cubs’ commitment to Bellinger and sets the stage for an exciting future. The news was originally reported by NBC Sports Chicago.
According to reports from Passan, Cody Bellinger’s contract with the Cubs includes annual payments of $30 million for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. If Bellinger decides not to exercise his opt-out clause, he would receive a salary of $20 million in 2026. This significant agreement, negotiated between the Cubs’ front office and Scott Boras, the top agent in baseball, addresses the team’s offseason need for a key free agent and ensures the return of a crucial middle-of-the-lineup player.
In the 2023 season, Bellinger showcased impressive improvement with a slash line of .307/.356/.525, a stark contrast to his underwhelming performances in 2021 and 2022. Particularly in 2021, Bellinger struggled with a meager .302 slugging percentage, which was five points lower than his 2023 batting average.
The length of the deal provides the Cubs with future flexibility, eliminating concerns about young talent potentially being blocked by Bellinger. With the likes of Dansby Swanson, Christopher Morel, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki joining Bellinger in the middle of the lineup, the Cubs’ offense is expected to regain its strength from the successful 2023 season.
After a prolonged standoff between the Cubs and Scott Boras, the team’s front office, led by Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins, emerged victorious, managing to secure the signing of the former NL MVP. The Cubs took a calculated risk by patiently navigating the market, banking on the hope that no other team would swoop in to snatch Cody Bellinger away.
Their patient approach ultimately paid off, allowing Cubs fans to eagerly anticipate another season filled with Belli Bombs and thrilling performances from Bellinger. By successfully executing their strategy, the Cubs managed to have their cake and eat it too, securing the prized player for the upcoming summer.
