After months of speculation and people questioning his ability to play baseball, Cody Bellinger found a team.
It’s the Chicago Cubs, the one that gave him a chance in 2023.
The Cubs, who are now looking like the NL Central favorites, signed him to a three-year, $80 million deal.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale explained the details of the pact.
“Cody Bellinger’s 3-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs: 2024: $27.5 million ($30 million if he opts out after season), 2025: $27.5 million ($32.5 million if he opts out after the season). 2026: $25 million,” Nightengale tweeted.
Cody Bellinger's 3-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs:
2024: $27.5 million ($30 million if he opts out after season)
2025: $27.5 million ($32.5 million if he opts out after the season).
2026: $25 million— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 28, 2024
The slight pay bump is a sort of disguised buyout ($2.5 million after this season, $5 million after the next one) if he decides to go.
The player retains decision-making power after the 2024 campaign, which means that he will decide if he tests the market again if he has an excellent season.
If he doesn’t, he stays in Chicago under a $27.5 million salary.
It’s not too shabby for the Cubs, either, who get to keep who was their best player from 2023.
Bellinger, a former MVP award winner with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit .307 with 26 home runs, 29 doubles, 97 RBI, and a .881 OPS.
That was after two straight subpar seasons with the Dodgers, 2021 and 2022, in which his OPS finished at .542 and .654, respectively.
With Bellinger leading the charge offensively and defensively, the Cubs now have the trifecta to compete this year: a top manager, a fantastic farm system, and a very talented MLB roster.
Last year, they were at the doorstep of a postseason berth but fell just short.
This time, they are going all in.
NEXT: Cubs Insider Comments On Latest 'Great Deal' For The Team