Chicago Cubs May Have Gotten a Bargain On Superstar This Winter

The Chicago Cubs are being led by a man who many counted out. Now it appears the team got him for a bargain.

Author:
Andy Jasner
Publish date:
May 1, 2023 9:26 AM EDT

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Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs were swept by the Miami Marlins.

That had to be frustrating.

Cody Bellinger hit another home run and kept up his torrid offensive pace.

That had to be exhilarating.

Bellinger ripped a home run, his seventh of the season. His seven homers across March-April were the most since March-April of 2019. Bellinger was named the National League Most Valuable Player that season.

The Cubs’ one-year, $17.5 million deal is sure looking like a bargain for Bellinger. It helped to mask a maddening series sweep in Miami.

"Yeah, definitely. I've been feeling good," Bellinger told reporters. "Every day is a new day, so I've just got to continue going."

Injuries and COVID-19 have derailed Bellinger since winning the MVP.

Now he’s healthy. Working with Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly also appears to have been a great partnership.

"Routine, approach," Bellinger said of why he’s been successful this season. "Good or bad, it's realizing that the next day is the most important. And really, just staying within myself and just being in the moment."

There’s no way to know if Bellinger will continue to hit home runs and produce this way for the Cubs.

For now, Cubs fans should revel in the success.

“I definitely thought this would be an all-year process," Cubs manager David Ross said. "I'm happy he's gotten off to a good start. But I think we're all going to go through peaks and valleys throughout this journey. The more you're able to get off to a good start, I think it just helps the mental side."

It sure has. In a stocked lineup, Bellinger’s contribution will be more meaningful as the regular season progresses and the Cubs push for a coveted playoff berth.

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