Free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger’s “most likely landing spot” is allegedly the Chicago Cubs.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Bellinger is still looking for the ideal offer on the open market and is not close to deciding where to go.
After playing for the Cubs in 2023, Bellinger became one of the league’s top outfielders once again. With 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in, the 2019 NL MVP hit.307/.356/.525 and was selected for the Silver Slugger for the second time.
Bellinger had a terrible three-year run before this performance, which marked a total reversal.In 295 games from 2020 to 2022, 203/.272/.376.
Those three years have done a great deal to extend his free agency. Bellinger appeared to be a rising talent and possible franchise cornerstone for the Dodgers from 2017 to 2019. He was among the worst regular players in baseball from 2020 to 2022.
Although the 2023 campaign was a bit of a middle ground, it’s difficult to tell where Bellinger stands, especially with a nine-figure contract up for grabs. Bellinger’s low hard hit percentage, barrel rate, and average exit velocity were all cause for concern. If he’s not hitting for a high average, his power decline isn’t justified by his walking rate.
If clubs aren’t careful, there’s a good risk Bellinger’s contract ends up looking like an albatross.
Returning to Chicago would provide him access to a park where he flourished and an organisation that gave him a chance when not many did during the previous offseason.
By signing left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady to a minor-league contract and inviting him to Spring Training, the Chicago Cubs increased the depth of their bullpen. This is just another instance of the Cubs taking calculated chances on players who are trying to make a comeback.
The 28-year-old’s career began with a difficult outing before an outstanding 2021 campaign in which he recorded a 3.48 ERA over 20.2 innings. But a UCL sprain that required Tommy John surgery and cost him the whole 2022 season destroyed his career. A pronator strain in his forearm ended his 2023 return attempt with the Oakland Athletics and sent him back to the injured list.
