The 2024 MLB Spring Training is officially underway, but there are still several big-name free agents who have not yet signed with any MLB team. One of those big names is now off of the board as Cody Bellinger has agreed to a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs futures.
Bellinger spent the 2023 season with the Cubs, and he was on the short list of MVP candidates for much of the season, according to the MLB odds. It was clearly a good fit between the two, but it took nearly 150 days for the two sides to agree to continue the relationship.
The full details of the contract are three years at $80 million in total value, but that doesn’t mean that the Cubs will be on the hook for the entire amount. Bellinger will receive $30 million in 2024, but he can then opt-out after the first or second year.
Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, were looking to cash in on a massive payday this offseason, but the market just wasn’t there. Chicago was extremely patient throughout the process, and they end up getting their top target on a great deal to face the upcoming MLB schedule.
Bellinger Must Produce
There is still a chance that Bellinger will be able to get a massive payday on the Chicago Cubs futures, and it could come after the 2024 season. Since Bellinger can opt-out again after just one season, he will be looking for another monster season at the plate.
Last year, Bellinger hit .307 to lead the Cubs and he also had 26 home runs and 97 RBIS. He was able to do all of that despite missing some time, and the Cubs could really use similar production from the former NL MVP again this season.
The Cubs do have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball, and there will be some young outfielders pushing Bellinger for playing time. Bellinger can also play some first base, and that will give manager Craig Counsell some flexibility when filling out the lineup card.
Bellinger’s outstanding performance in 2023 led to his recognition as the NL Comeback Player of the Year. The Cubs were not expected to be a playoff contender a season ago, but the big year from Bellinger kept the team in the mix until the final week of the regular season.
Not only did Bellinger have a big year at the plate for the Cubs, but he instantly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field. Fans of the Cubs spent most of the offseason hoping to see Bellinger brought back by Jed Hoyer, and eventually, that was the case.
Boras Has to Pivot
Scott Boras, renowned as one of the top agents in professional sports, usually secures excellent deals for his clients. He made it clear that Bellinger would only sign for a massive deal, and he was seeking more than $200 million for his client.
There have been very few times in which a team has been able to outlast Boras in negotiations, but this offseason is proving to be different. Bellinger wanted to join a new team now that Spring Training is already underway, and he took the best deal that he could get.
That is going to put new pressure on Boras and his other clients who remain unsigned, and there could be some action coming in the following days. Matt Chapman and Jordan Montgomery were also seeking big deals this offseason, but there isn’t a big market for those players either.
The Chicago Cubs futures have been linked to both players in free agency, and this could end up being a situation in which the team is able to get either Chapman or Montgomery on similar deals. Boras will continue to try to seek the biggest deal possible, but there just aren’t many suitors out there.
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