Cody Bellinger, the top position player in this year’s class of free agents, has signed with the Chicago Cubs. After a successful turnaround season with the Cubs in 2023, Bellinger secured a unique contract structure that allows him flexibility to test the market again in the near future.
Bellinger's journey to re-signing with the Cubs began after being nontendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers following a disappointing 2022 season. However, his one-year contract with the Cubs proved to be a career-changing move as he excelled with a .307 batting average and won a Silver Slugger award.
Despite initial projections of a lucrative long-term deal, Bellinger's new contract offers him $30 million for both 2024 and 2025, with a reduced salary of $20 million in 2026 if he chooses not to opt out after the upcoming seasons. This arrangement provides Bellinger with the opportunity to re-enter free agency if he maintains his performance levels.
The Cubs, who had a payroll of $205 million before Bellinger's signing, will see their payroll rise to $231.7 million with his average annual value of $26.7 million. This places them close to the competitive balance tax threshold of $237 million, potentially making them a tax-paying team if they exceed the limit.
Bellinger's return to the Cubs lineup is highly anticipated, given his standout performance last season. His versatility in playing both center field and first base will be a valuable asset for the team, especially with a roster that includes promising prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and others who are expected to make an impact in the near future.
The Cubs' surplus of hitting talent, coupled with the potential emergence of top prospects, presents them with the opportunity to make strategic moves to bolster their pitching staff. With the NL Central division up for grabs, Bellinger's presence on the team enhances their chances of improving upon their 2023 record and making a postseason push.
