MLB knows that the Chicago Cubs are one of the teams with the most passionate fans in the league.
The league’s official Twitter account occasionally hypes up big signings made by all teams.
This time, it was Cody Bellinger‘s turn: the talented outfielder recently joined the Cubs, and fans are excited about him even despite his poor offensive performance in the last two years.
“Belli bombs are coming to Wrigley,” MLB tweeted with a video of some of his most impressive dingers.
Belli bombs are coming to Wrigley. pic.twitter.com/DzKWuI4swL
— MLB (@MLB) December 14, 2022
The video has other types of plays, too: not just homers.
Under the terms of the agreement, bringing in Bellinger was a move the Cubs had to make.
He is a young player with MVP-like upside, and those are the types of pieces the franchise needs.
However, we have also seen Belli’s floor, and it’s not particularly high.
The bottom line is that there is obvious risk, but the reward could be huge.
The Price And Terms Were Worth A Shot
For one year and $17.5 million, the Cubs had to try.
There is also a mutual option for 2024 worth $25 million, but that one will likely not be exercised.
For now, let’s focus on what Bellinger can do.
He is an above-average center fielder who has good speed and is still young, at 27 years old.
Between 2017 and 2019, he hit 111 home runs and won an MVP award in 2019.
After that, his performance with the bat has fallen off considerably.
This past season, he did hit 19 homers and steal 14 bases, but had a meager .210 average, struck out 150 times, and had a .654 OPS.
The Cubs are hoping Bellinger can regain some of his 2017-2019 magic, and if he can, they could actually dream about contending in 2023.
NEXT: MLB Insider Breaks Down Cody Bellinger's New Deal