Chicago Cubs Slugger 'Strongly Considering' Return

The Chicago Cubs have continued to show interest in bringing back their slugger during the offseason with him "strongly considering" a return.

One of the biggest reasons why the Chicago Cubs are in the playoff race is because of their slugger Cody Bellinger.

When he signed with the team during the offseason on a one-year, $17.5 million deal, many wondered if he could regain his form that earned him National League MVP award in 2019.

Since that season, he was a shell of himself in terms of production at the plate. His 47 home runs in 2019 was more than his next three seasons combined.

Bellinger went to the Cubs trying to resurrect his career. Chicago took a chance on him hoping he'd play a major role in helping them get back to the playoffs.

That decision has paid off in a big way for both parties.

The slugger is hitting .329/.369/.555 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI. He leads the team in all five of those metrics.

Despite the current success of the Cubs, many expected them to be sellers at the deadline with Bellinger's name at the top of the exit list due to his impending free agency.

Now, sitting second in the NL Wild Card position, Jed Hoyer and the front office can shift their focus on making a long-term commitment to their best hitter.

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, "The Cubs can now make him a qualifying offer after the season and receive draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team. Everything else still suggests that the Cubs will be heavily involved in those negotiations, and Bellinger will strongly consider their best offer."

It's hard to imagine that the slugger wouldn't want to resign with Chicago if they make him a fair offer. He's the current face of the team in a city that loves their baseball, especially during a playoff run.

Hoyer told Mooney, "As a player, you come here on a Tuesday, Wednesday night, the place is packed and there’s great energy. It’s a great place to live. It’s a great ballpark. Who wouldn’t want to play here? That’s been pretty consistent for a while now. I think it’s a great environment for Cody."

Right now, the focus remains on getting into the playoffs with Bellinger at the forefront of making sure that happens.