CONGRATULATIONS: Zack Gelof, who signed with the Cubs, has a contract worth….

Dansby Swanson, a shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, makes $177 million a year. One could say that something brings with it a small amount of sway.

Swanson acknowledged to the media and Cubs supporters during his speech at the Cubs Convention on Saturday that he has been a thorn in the side of the team lately.

He has no desire for additional money. He desires Cody Bellinger’s return.

In a statement obtained by The Athletic, Swanson stated, “I think they get tired of me calling.”

Bellinger is still available to sign contracts because he hasn’t found one yet. Thus far in this offseason, the Cubs have signed pitcher Shota Imanaga, which is their one significant acquisition.

To the surprise of Cubs supporters there, Bellinger made a direct pitch to Cubs brass during a panel discussion on Saturday.

“We need to re-sign Belli before next year,” Swanson stated, drawing a loud cheer from Cubs supporters. He then turned the microphone back to the panel’s moderator.

It seems like Swanson has been one of Bellinger’s strongest supporters behind the scenes. He said that he and Bellinger occasionally texted, but he was unsure of Bellinger’s current situation as of this past weekend.

In 2024, Swanson hopes to return to Wrigley Field as the NL Comeback Player of the Year. Swanson is aware of the reasons behind the delay, though. He went through this past offseason, signing a seven-year contract with the Cubs after leaving the Atlanta Braves.

Swanson stated, “I’ve been through it,” in the piece. “Our connection and friendship are going well. Since I’ve just gone through it, a lot of it is just checking in to see how he’s doing, how the offseason is going, and to offer any advice or things of that kind regarding free agency.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, who has taken a lot of heat this offseason for his free agency strategy, may be an ally. Some of it has softened with Imanaga’s signing. Furthermore, Hoyer gave the impression that the Cubs were not done when he spoke with the media.

Hoyer stated, “We’re in the fourth or fifth inning of our offseason.”

What’s positive about Bellinger’s re-signing is apparent. However, it doesn’t appear to be near the finish line.

Swanson remarked, “He’s obviously a great player, and we’d love to have him back.” “I believe that to be as evident as day. Hopefully, we can accomplish that.