Cubs Ink Cody Bellinger to 3-Year $80 Million Contract

Finally, after months of posturing, the Chicago Cubs and Cody Bellinger agreed on a contract. The deal has yet to be formally announced, but Jeff Passan reported on X that the agreement is a three-year pact worth $80 million. 

BREAKING: Centerfielder Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a three-year, $80 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Bellinger will receive opt-outs after each of the first two years of the deal. Bellinger, 28, returns to the Cubs after a prolonged free agency.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2024

Bellinger was the top free agent left unsigned. The former MVP was seeking a long-term deal after agreeing to a one-year contract ahead of last season. Unable to land his preferred deal, Bellinger signed a bridge contract with opt-outs after the first two years. 

The centerfielder/first baseman was an integral part of the Cubs resurgent 2023. Chicago finished above .500 for the first time since 2020, albeit 1.0 game back of the final postseason berth. 

Moreover, Bellinger finally re-captured some of his former glory, posting a .881 OPS with 26 home runs, 97 RBI, and 95 runs scored. 

The Cubs enter the 2024 campaign with renewed ambition. They are close behind the St. Louis Cardinals as the betting favorite to win the NL Central, currently priced at +210. However, they have a more middling position on the World Series futures board, listed at +3500. 

Additionally, Bellinger’s getting consideration in the NL MVP market. The two-time Silver Slugger is installed as a +10000 longshot to win the second award of his career.

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