The Chicago Cubs were recently linked with former NL MVP Cody Bellinger this offseason.
The Chicago Cubs missed the postseason for the second year in a row after the 2022 campaign. Since the 2021 trade deadline, the Cubs have dealt players and strengthened their farming system. Now, by all accounts, the Cubs are expected to spend big money this winter.
One name Cubs fans should watch out for is former Los Angeles Dodgers quarterback and former NL MVP Cody Bellinger. Athletic’s Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma (subscription required) He indicated that Chicago could keep an eye on what Los Angeles was doing with Bellinger.
According to their reports, Bellinger is eligible for another year of arbitration with the Dodgers but earned $17 million in the 2022 season while underperforming well below the 2019 season MVP. The Cubs, for their part, would be interested in giving Bellinger a change of scenery for a player who has a historically good left-handed bat and defensive prowess.
The Cubs are associated with Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger
Gordon Whittenmaier reported from NBC Sports Chicago Bellinger is on the Cubs’ radar this offseason. Mooney and Sharma also stated that Chicago could seek a one-year deal as proof that it was some sort of arrangement for Bellinger.
Bellinger is expected to enter his final year of refereeing before officially becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 campaign. The team has until Friday, November 18th To decide whether they want to offer him a contract for the 2023 season, or whether they will not bid him to make him a free agent. The non-bid deadline applies only to players eligible for pre-trial and arbitration.
As mentioned, Bellinger won the NL MVP again in 2019, posting a .305 batting average, 1.035 WHIP, 47 home runs, 115 RBI, 121 runs scored, 170 hits, and 351 total bases. Since then, his production has taken a hit, in part due to injuries.
Last season, Bellinger slugged .210/.265/.389 while hitting 19 home runs, 68 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and 106 hits.
If the Dodgers part ways with Bellinger, watch the Cubs based on that information.
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