After much suspense regarding his team for 2024, Cody Bellinger returns to the Chicago Cubs on a three-year, $80 million deal. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Bellinger could opt out after the first and second years of the agreement. After making $30 million in 2024, he could earn another $30 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026.
Bellinger is coming off a resurgent season wherein he won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award. He hit .307/.356/.525 with 97 runs batted in and 26 home runs. Aside from that award, he also earned a Silver Slugger Award last season. Bellinger made votes for the NL MVP, which Ronald Acuña Jr. won.
Cody Bellinger's salary on his deal with the Chicago Cubs will pay him $30 million this season, $30 million in 2025 (if he doesn't opt out after Year 1) and $20 million in 2026 (if he doesn't opt out after Year 2).
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2024
During his final season, Bellinger struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .210/.265/.389 in 504 at-bats. Injuries may have played a part in his reduced performances. Bellinger and the Dodgers parted ways after six seasons, allowing the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year to sign a one-year deal with the Cubs. He made the most of that deal and earned a three-year deal from that magnificent campaign.
Aside from being the Comeback Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, Cody Bellinger is a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and the 2019 NL Most Valuable Player. The same year, he took home a Gold Glove and All-MLB First Team honors.
Bellinger earned MVP honors in the 2018 National League Championship Series. Two years later, he won a World Series title with the Dodgers.
With his return, Cody Bellinger is projected to be the Cubs' starter at center field. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki will be covering both sides.
The Chicago Cubs will open the 2024 MLB Season on March 28 with the first game of a three-game series against the defending World Series champions, the Texas Rangers.
-Lance Fernandez