It took until the start of spring training, but Cody Bellinger finally has a new contract.
Bellinger, one of the best free agent outfielders on the market, went unsigned for much of the winter, but has agreed to terms on a contract to return to the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Cubs’ deal with Bellinger reportedly is for three years and is worth $80 million.
The contract includes player options after both of the first two years, meaning Bellinger will earn $30 million in 2024, another $30 million in 2025 if he doesn’t opt out, and then $20 million in 2026 should he again decide not to opt-out, per Passan.
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Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning All-Star honors twice while winning the National League MVP in 2019. But a dislocated shoulder during the 2020 postseason, as well as various injuries during the ’21 and ’22 seasons, restricted his power and limited him to a .193 batting average during those two campaigns.
Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers in November 2022, then joined the Cubs on a one-year deal. He produced his best numbers since 2019, slashing .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs and 95 runs scored in 130 games played in ’23.
Now, Bellinger will look to help the Cubs advance to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
