Whereas the Chicago Cubs had a disappointing season in 2024, one participant who additionally quietly had a down 12 months was Cody Bellinger. The previous NL MVP skilled a big statistical decline final 12 months, contributing to the Cubs’ struggles. Bellinger not too long ago opted into the second 12 months of his present $80 million deal. Because the 29-year-old picked up his choice, he’s set to earn $27.5 million, whereas Chicago deliberate on him being a free agent. The Cubs have been not too long ago attempting to commerce him. Nonetheless, given the cash Bellinger is owed, shifting him might be arduous. The Cubs now have a Cody Bellinger downside.
A Profitable 2023 Season
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Cody Bellinger regarded extra like his pre-injury self in 2023. He had a slash line of .307/.356/.525 with 26 residence runs, 97 RBI, and a .881 OPS. Bellinger additionally had the second-highest WAR of his profession at 4.4. The previous all-star would earn Comeback Participant of the 12 months honors and his second profession Silver Slugger Award. He would additionally garner MVP votes as properly. After the season, Bellinger declined his mutual choice with Chicago and have become a free agent.
The Cubs Bought Him Again For A Lot Much less Than Anticipated
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Upon turning into a free agent, many individuals anticipated Bellinger to money in after a profitable season on a one-year contract. Nonetheless, groups have been very hesitant to signal the Comeback Participant of the 12 months Award winner. This was most likely due partly to his agent Scott Boras making an attempt to get groups to pay him greater than he was price. Bellinger was part of the final low season’s “Boras 4” group that went unsigned into spring coaching. On February 27th, Bellinger returned to the Cubs on a three-year $80 million contract with opt-outs after the primary and second years. The 29-year-old former all-star signed for lower than anticipated. Final season, he ended up proving the groups that have been hesitant to signal him accurately
Bellinger Was A Disappointment
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Regardless of excessive expectations, the 2024 season was a significant letdown for the Chicago Cubs. Chicago completed in third place with an 83-79 file and missed the postseason for the fourth season in a row. Cody Bellinger additionally had a disappointing 12 months that didn’t obtain sufficient consideration. In 2024, Bellinger skilled a significant statistical drop. The 29-year-old had a slash line of .266/.325/.426 with simply 18 homers, 78 RBI, and a .751 OPS. The previous MVP additionally compiled a WAR of simply 2.2, the third lowest of his profession.
The Cubs Made A Dangerous Deal In Hindsight
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After the disappointing season concluded, the Cubs have been hoping and anticipating that Bellinger would decide out. Nonetheless, he determined to choose up his participant choice which is able to web him $27.5 million. Given his 2024 season output, this contract is a foul deal for the Cubs in hindsight. The North Siders are paying some huge cash to a participant who solely produced a 2.2 WAR. Jed Hoyer is seething about owing him all that cash and is at present decided to discover a buying and selling accomplice. Whereas not inconceivable, buying and selling Cody Bellinger goes to be tough.
Buying and selling Bellinger Will Be Tough
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If the Cubs have been to commerce him, they’d solely get a minimal return given the amount of cash left on Bellinger’s contract. Not solely is Bellinger owed $27.5 million for this season, however he may make one other $25 million subsequent 12 months if he opts in once more. Nonetheless, even when he declines his second participant choice, he’ll nonetheless make $5 million within the buyout. Bellinger would nonetheless make a hefty $32.5 million going out the door. Bellinger has had a 2.2 or much less WAR in 4 of the final seasons; no group is thinking about paying all that cash to that type of participant.
Whereas buying and selling Cody Bellinger will be completed, Chicago wouldn’t get a fantastic return. All of the Cubs can do on this deal is tackle one other bloated contract or settle for a decrease prospect. Accepting a lesser return for Bellinger, who appeared in 130 video games, and batted no decrease than fourth is embarrassing. It nearly looks as if the franchise is simply determined to be rid of Bellinger as they have been with Milton Bradley. Purchasing Bellinger additionally confirms that the group actually is reasonable slightly than relying on a rebound 12 months.
Jed Hoyer Has No one To Blame However Himself
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Provided that Cody Bellinger’s abilities are seemingly declining this places the Cubs in a tough spot. Baseball Operations Head Jed Hoyer has no person in charge however himself for this downside. Whereas doubtlessly having to pay over $30 million isn’t very best, there aren’t significantly better choices. The Cubs have little or no leverage proper now. With how tough it’s to commerce him and the potential return being solely marginal, Chicago would possibly as properly pray that he bounces again in 2025.
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