Cody Bellinger does not need the Cubs to sell him on the experience of playing for the North Siders. He has observed the energy of Wrigley Field, knows what it is like to work behind the scenes with the staff, and understands where the team stands in its quest to return to the postseason.
“He’s got nothing but positive thoughts about the organisation,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said earlier this month at the Winter Meetings. “And we have nothing but positive thoughts about him.”

Bellinger’s career was rejuvenated with the Cubs in 2023, and he now has the opportunity to capitalise on that experience with a long-term contract in free agency. As several possible Bellinger suitors, including the Giants (Jung Hoo Lee) and the Yankees (Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo), have landed other outfielders, the Cubs are waiting as the centre fielder considers his options.
Hoyer and his front-office crew made a shot at superstar Shohei Ohtani, but he signed with the Dodgers, leaving them to reconsider their options. There is still interest in Bellinger, but the Cubs are not interested in engaging in a bidding war. Having said that, there are numerous reasons why Bellinger should remain a primary priority for Chicago.

The ideal roster jigsaw piece
The Cubs have a need at first base and in centre field. Chicago could pursue numerous players to fill those positions, but Bellinger is capable of doing both. Last season, he led the Cubs in innings at first base and centre field while anchoring the middle of the lineup.

During the Winter Meetings, Hoyer stated that having adaptable players on the club would be “a goal” for manager Craig Counsell. It adds depth, and Hoyer cited Kris Bryant, who played for the Cubs from 2015 to 21, as the “ultimate example” of an excellent player moving between positions.