Cody Bellinger arrived in what appeared to be a favourable market at the start of the offseason, but he is still unsure of his 2024 playing position. Over the offseason, a number of teams have been connected to the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year.
At the beginning of the offseason, some had speculated that the New York Yankees might be interested in the slugger. However, since then, things have greatly calmed down as the Bronx Bombers added left-handed outfielders Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo.
Even the San Francisco Giants, who have spent the last two offseasons trying desperately to sign a top free agent, appear to have given up on Bellinger.
The fact that all of these previously mentioned clubs have signed or traded for free-agent batters who coincidentally play Bellinger’s staple positions of first base and centre field unites them.
Surprisingly, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network, it’s unclear if any team has even extended a formal offer to Bellinger’s camp.
Moreover, the Cubs appeared to be gearing up for a major offseason this year. The results of Jed Hoyer’s noteworthy purchases have led to a decent, if not spectacular, winter for the North Siders thus far. The Cubs will never again have Bellinger’s power threat, not even after dealing for Michael Busch, a left-handed bat.
However, it still appears that Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, are holding back due to money. The slugger and his team are still pursuing a $200 million contract. The Cubs have clearly not been willing to meet those requests up to this point.
But as the MLB season of 2024 draws closer, Bellinger and the Cubs must acknowledge that 2023 was a win-win year for all parties. Why not just accept each other and carry on with that wonderful partnership?
The Chicago Cubs added two arms on Monday to increase their pitching depth, even though they still haven’t signed Cody Bellinger.
Sam McWilliams, a right-handed pitcher, was the first to sign a minor league contract with the team. Richard Lovelady, a left-handed reliever, was the second, having signed with the team following his pro day.
During his pro day bullpen, Lovelady made a good impression by showcasing a variety of well-moving offerings from his arsenal. Although his maximum pitch velocity is in the low nineties, his precision and variety of pitches may be sufficient to regularly strike out batters.
After a lacklustre 2023 season with the Oakland Athletics, the Cubs are hopeful he will fulfil that potential with them. In his first season back from injury, the seasoned southpaw pitched 23 1/3 innings and finished 0-3 with a 4.63 ERA.
Positively, Lovelady had some excellent peripherals last season, including as a 1.07 WHIP and a 9.3 K/9.
His walk rate skyrocketed to 3.9 BB/9, which is his primary concern; if he hopes to play a big part for Chicago, he must control it.
