In the end, Cody Bellinger got exactly what was coming to him—just from a different high-profile team in a major market.
Less than three weeks after the Dodgers declined to tender him a contract for the 2023 season—which would have been for around $18 million—Bellinger has found a new home with the Cubs, who agreed to a one-year, $17.5 million deal with the former MVP center fielder. The move represents an opportunity for the once-elite player to start fresh and reset his value, while Chicago takes a high-upside gamble on a potentially game-changing offensive piece its lineup so desperately needs.
Bellinger’s rollercoaster of a career has been well documented. From his MLB debut at age 21 in 2017 to ‘19, Bellinger made two All-Star teams, posted a 140 wRC+ and won the ‘19 National League MVP award. His 111 home runs in that span are tied for the 18th-most in MLB history for a player age 23 or younger, ahead of names like Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio and Miguel Cabrera. Though injuries hampered him in the shortened ‘20 campaign, he remained productive, and was a key contributor during the Dodgers’ postseason run and eventual World Series title.
