Current:Home > MyCody Bellinger re-signs with Chicago Cubs on three-year, $80 million deal -Blueprint Wealth Network
Cody Bellinger re-signs with Chicago Cubs on three-year, $80 million deal
View
Date:2025-04-15 06:12:06
Cody Bellinger's long-awaited pot of gold at the end of the free agency rainbow finally emerged Sunday perhaps not as full as the 2019 National League MVP might have envisioned.
Bellinger agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract to return to the Chicago Cubs, according to a person with direct knowledge of the agreement. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the contract will not be finalized until Bellinger completes his physical.
Bellinger, 28, was the best position player on this free agent market, unsurprising after he made history in winning the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year and two years later hit 49 homers to capture the MVP award. But two injury-filled seasons that compromised both his upper (right shoulder) and lower (calf) body contributed to a pair of desultory seasons in which he batted .193 with a .611 OPS.
That prompted the Los Angeles Dodgers to non-tender rather than pay him around $18 million via arbitration last winter. The Cubs snapped him up – and both parties benefited.
Bellinger batted .307 with an .881 OPS and 140 adjusted OPS for the Cubs, numbers far more in line with the .911 OPS and 140 adjusted mark during his first four seasons.
All things Cubs: Latest Chicago Cubs news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
But a separated shoulder suffered while celebrating in the 2020 NLCS – it required off-season shoulder surgery – sent him on a significant detour, his compromised body and the subsequent outcome dimming his confidence. He reemerged this year as a five-tool talent, playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field and at first base while producing 4.4 Wins Above Replacement.
Yet his suitors on the open market apparently remained skeptical of his health and production woes. Clubs like the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants remained on the front burner, but the offers Boras and Bellinger apparently sought never materialized.
As spring training began earlier this month, Bellinger, pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell and third baseman Matt Chapman - all Boras clients - remained unsigned. Sunday, Bellinger came to the conclusion a reunion − likely at a lower price and commitment than he desired − was the best route to go.
Yet Bellinger will hit free agency again at 31 and in the meantime, thrust the Cubs toward the front of the NL Central.
Contributing: Bob Nightengale
veryGood! (65)
Related
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Solar projects are on hold as U.S. investigates whether China is skirting trade rules
- The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future
- Shop the 15 Coachella Essentials Chriselle Lim Is Packing for Festival Weekend
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Why Jana Kramer Is Calling Past Blind Date With Brody Jenner the “Absolute Worst”
- Biden meets with Israel's Herzog, extends invite to Netanyahu amid tensions
- Flooding kills at least 259 in South Africa
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Rising temperatures prolong pollen season and could worsen allergies
Ranking
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Halle Berry Claps Back at Commenter Criticizing Her Nude Photo
- A barrel containing a body was exposed as the level of Nevada's Lake Mead drops
- Biden lauds NATO deal to welcome Sweden, but he may get an earful from Zelenskyy about Ukraine's blocked bid
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Asmeret Asefaw Berhe: How can soil's superpowers help us fight climate change?
- Is your house at risk of a wildfire? This online tool could tell you
- Create a Filtered, Airbrushed Look and Get 2 It Cosmetics Foundations for the Price of 1
Recommendation
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Farmers in Senegal learn to respect a scruffy shrub that gets no respect
Sweden's expected NATO accession shows Putin that alliance is more united than ever, Blinken says
Former TV meteorologist sweeps the New Mexico GOP primary for governor
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
To fight climate change, and now Russia, too, Zurich turns off natural gas
Listening to Burial at the end of the world
What are El Niño and La Niña and how do they affect temperatures?