Cody Bellinger was the logical option that emerged as a free agent destination, but he could test the market again after next season.
The star outfielder and the Cubs have agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract with opt-outs in each of the first two years, paying him $30 million, $30 million and $20 million over three seasons. Become. Confirmed by Jon Heyman of the Post..
Bellinger will spend 2023 with the Cubs after signing a one-year, $17.5 million contract, where he produced his best season since 2019, when he won MVP honors.
Bellinger batted .307 with an OPS of .881 and 97 RBI on a Cubs team that was struggling to the point where Bellinger’s name came up in trade rumors before the deadline, although they didn’t come close to making the postseason. .
He ended up winning Comeback Player of the Year and emerged as a potential name for the Yankees to acquire early in free agency, but Bellinger’s pursuit then dragged on and he was not available until spring training began. It continued to drag until the 28th. He spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers, including a season in which he won an MVP and a World Series, until the Dodgers detendered him after the 2022 season.
Bellinger’s contract wasn’t as much as he had hoped, with Heyman reporting in December that Bellinger wanted more than $200 million.
Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, also said that, at least in the early stages of free agency, Phillies star Bryce Harper ($330 million) and Rangers star Corey Seager ($325 million) ) was used as a comparison in acquiring Bellinger, according to ESPN. Reported in December.
“What do you have? [Harper and Seager] Will it be completed after they sign at age 28? ” Boras told reporters at the winter meetings, according to ESPN. “Harper has gotten better. Seager has gotten better. Any player who can do that at such a young age, you see that once he gets healthy and returns to play, he’s actually even better than he was when he was younger.” ”
While waiting for Bellinger’s decision, the Cubs have acquired manager Craig Counsell, signed left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga, nicknamed the “throwing philosopher” from Japan, and added relief pitcher Hector Nellis. Added elements.
However, Chairman Tom Ricketts told reporters earlier this week that the front office is “waiting to see when we get him” regarding Bellinger. [Boras] I intend to engage.” According to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“It could happen at any time, it could be weeks from now,” Ricketts told reporters. “Let’s see what happens.”
Less than a week later, a reunion between Bellinger and the Cubs appeared to be all but set, with Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Matt Chapman becoming Boras’ major unsigned clients.
