I want to start by giving a big shout out to Josh for covering the news of the signing while I was catching some Z’s.
The Daily Belli watch ended as the Cubs hit the field for Spring Training games, and now we have the official details of Cody Bellinger’s contract with the Cubs to dissect. Get the scoop from ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
Bellinger, 28, has opt-outs after the first and second years of the deal, sources said. He will receive a $30 million salary this season, $30 million in 2025 (if he doesn’t opt out after the first year) and $20 million in 2026 (if he doesn’t opt out after the second year), according to sources.
With these terms, it seems probable that Bellinger will stick around for two years with the Cubs and then decide whether to extend his stay or hit free agency after 2025. “We’ll have to wait and see how it unfolds.”
I’m happy to see Bellinger back on the team. While there have been some concerns raised about his performance in 2023, where he posted a .307/.356/.525 slash line with 26 home runs and 20 stolen bases, the results speak for themselves, yielding a 4.4 bWAR season, the second-best in Bellinger’s career.
I anticipate Bellinger will primarily play center field, but he could also see time at first base and as a designated hitter. The Cubs having multiple players who can rotate through these positions is a good dilemma to have. Pete Crow-Armstrong, projected as the Cubs’ future center fielder, will likely start the season at Triple-A Iowa for more development.
Welcome back, Cody Bellinger! Here’s to you helping the Cubs make a push for the postseason in 2024. This deal should put the Cubs in a favorable position to win the NL Central.