Insider Gives Cubs "Zero Chance" at Re-Signing Slugger This Winter

Cody Bellinger is expected to test the waters of free agency again this winter. One MLB insider doesn't like the Chicago Cubs chances of keeping him.

Author:
Jack Vita
Publish date:
Aug 13, 2023 3:40 PM EDT

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Chicago Cubs

In his first season with the Chicago Cubs, 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger has reinvented himself, and he appears to be in line for a hefty payday.

One MLB insider, however, strongly believes that the Chandler, Ariz., native will be taking his talents to another roster upon season's end.

In a July 27 episode of the Jack Vita Show, Bob Nightengale, longtime national baseball writer for USA Today, proclaimed that the Cubs have "zero chance" at retaining Bellinger.

"I think there's zero chance that they would re-sign him as a free agent," Nightengale told the Jack Vita Show. "His agent is Scott Boras. He's had a big year, so I would think that there will be a massive price tag on him, over $100 million. So I think he's going to be sitting out until next February, signing right around spring training... I wouldn't be surprised if they ask for at least $150 million."

Bellinger and the Cubs have a mutual option for the 2024 season. Given Bellinger's season, it's likely he'll opt out and explore free agency.

The Cubs have already committed two outfield spots to the likes of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki through 2026. The Cubs signed Suzuki to a five-year, $85 million contract in March of 2022. Happ received a three-year, $61 million extension in April. Neither has quite lived up to expectations in 2023.

Since inking his extension April 12, Happ has batted just .240 with 12 home runs. He hasn't hit for much contact or power. He has boasted an impressive .365 on-base percentage, but typically clubs want more offensive production out of their three-hole hitter and left fielder.

Suzuki's lackluster output (.249/.328/.717) recently had the second-year player benched in the thick of a playoff chase.

The Cubs may be hesitant to shell out a big contract to another outfielder. The position is an organizational strength, with several promising young players expected to be coming up through their farm system over the next few years. Three of the Cubs' Top Four prospects are outfielders, according to MLB.com.

Perhaps retaining Bellinger would be more likely for the Cubs had the club not extended Happ and/or signed Suzuki.

Failing to sign Bellinger would be a huge loss for the Cubs. He has undoubtedly been the team's best hitter and has posted the Cubs' second-highest WAR this season.

Nightengale also believes that teams may be reluctant to pony up big money to Bellinger, as some think he is due for regression.

"The jury is out on Bellinger," Nightengale said. "The Dodgers are smarter than everybody... and they gave up on him. I don't think they thought he was going to do what he's doing, but I'm not sure how many people think he's going to sustain this either."

Bellinger slashed .326/.378/.925 with 16 home runs, 53 RBI and 17 stolen bases, through his first 81 games in 2023.

You can catch the full conversation with Bob Nightengale on the Jack Vita Show here: