MLB Expert Predicts Price Tag of Cody Bellinger's Next Contract
As Cody Bellinger continues to thrive on the North Side for the Chicago Cubs, the price tag on the center fielder and first baseman appears to be steadily increasing.
Just over a month ago, top news breaker and longtime national baseball writer for USA Today, Bob Nightengale, told the Jack Vita Show that the Cubs have "zero chance" at retaining Bellinger and he expects the 2019 NL MVP to ask for at least $150 million in his next contract, when he becomes a free agent this winter.
In the 37 games since Nightengale made those comments, Bellinger has slashed .333/.369/.925, and it appears the price tag on the Arizona native has gone up.
This week on the Jack Vita Show, Major League Baseball analyst Orestes Destrade was asked about Bellinger's impact on the Cubs. While commenting on the slugger's phenomenal 2023 season, Destrade gave a price estimate on what his next contract could command.
“He is just doing everything right now for them,” Destrade said. “And not just hitting home runs and driving in runs. He’s scoring runs, stealing bases, he’s on the precipice of his 20th stolen base. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t see Cody Bellinger being this great of a player; this dynamic, five-tool player. I saw him being good, but I didn’t see him being this great. And he’s positioning himself very much even beyond Swanson, as far as contract-wise. It’s going to take well over $200 million to sign this guy in the coming offseason, when he’s a free agent.”
Destrade was an on-air MLB analyst at ESPN for five years, appearing on Baseball Tonight and broadcasting the World Baseball Classic and Little League World Series. From 2011 through 2022, Destrade worked as a broadcaster, covering the Tampa Bay Rays for Fox Sports and Bally Sports. During that time, he co-hosted the Rays' pregame and postgame show, Rays Live.
Bellinger has been an integral part of Chicago's success this season. Entering play Wednesday, the Cubs have a record of 75-64, sitting two-and-a-half games back of the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
With Bellinger out of the lineup, Chicago is a measly 15-18 this season. When he starts, the Cubs are 60-46. The Cubs are 17 games better with Bellinger than without him.
Through 108 games, Bellinger is slashing .319/.364/.546 with 23 home runs and 84 RBI. The former MVP appears to be in line for a hefty payday this winter.
You can catch the full conversation with Orestes Destrade on the Jack Vita Show here:
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