Cody Bellinger and Chicago Cubs agree to three-year, $80 million deal
Center fielder Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement on a three-year, $80 million deal, sources confirmed to ESPN. This deal marks the end of a lengthy free agency period for Bellinger, who had an outstanding 2023 season with the Cubs.
Bellinger, 28, will have opt-outs after the first and second years of the deal, with a salary of $30 million for the upcoming season, $30 million in 2025 (if he does not opt out after the first year), and $20 million in 2026 (if he does not opt out after the second year).
After an impressive season in which he hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, Bellinger entered free agency looking to secure a substantial contract. Despite hopes for a robust market, he found himself in a situation similar to that of Carlos Correa, who also shares the same agent, Scott Boras.
Bellinger’s health in the 2023 season allowed him to excel and earn the National League Comeback Player of the Year award. He nearly halved his strikeout rate from previous seasons and demonstrated proficiency against left-handed pitchers.
The Cubs have been patient in the free agent market, still looking to add players like NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell, World Series star Jordan Montgomery, and All-Star third baseman Matt Chapman. With the addition of Bellinger, who can play both first base and center field, Chicago valued his versatility and contributions both at the plate and in the field.
Bellinger’s return to the Cubs brings back a player who has proven himself as a dual-position star in the past, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and the National League Most Valuable Player in 2019. This multi-year deal solidifies Bellinger’s commitment to Chicago for the foreseeable future.