Cody Bellinger is set to return to the Chicago Cubs after the two parties agreed to a three-year, $80 million deal. Bellinger and his agent Scott Boras held out as long as they could but with Opening Day just over a month away, it was important for outfielder to finalize a deal.
According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, the deal will allow Bellinger to opt-out after the first and second year. Should Bellinger remain with the Cubs throughout the three-year period, he is set to earn $30 million in 2024, $30 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026.
The contract terms allow the 28-year-old to bet on himself (once again) with some flexibility if he has a standout 2024 season. Last year, Bellinger gambled when he signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs after a tough stretch with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a decision that has paid off.
Cody Bellinger is staying in Chicago! pic.twitter.com/IDfhvyzV2a
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 25, 2024
Cubs fans will be delighted after securing one of MLB’s most talented offensive stars to a multi-year deal. Bellinger is a two-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner, a World Series Champion and was named the NL Rookie of the Year back in 2017.
He was named the National League MVP in 2019 after slashing .305/.406/.629 and recording 47 home runs, 115 RBIs, 170 hits and 15 stolen bases. He ranked fourth in the MLB in home runs that year behind only Pete Alonso, Eugenio Suarez and Jorge Soler.
After a difficult 2021 and 2022 season in Los Angeles where he failed to reach his previous highs, Bellinger opted for a change of scenery with a move to Wrigley Field. Last year, he revived his career with the Cubs finishing with 26 home runs 97 RBIs and 20 stolen bases over 13o games.
