MLB Insider Says Chicago Cubs Are Favorites for Star Slugger

After the shocking move to the start of their offseason that brought in Craig Counsell, the Chicago Cubs will now turn their attention to ensuring they give their new manager all the pieces possible to win.

To do that, Jed Hoyer and his front office would like to re-sign their star slugger Cody Bellinger, who hit free agency this offseason.

The Cubs signed the former MVP to a one-year "prove it" type of deal last year and he completely overachieved.

Bellinger flashed his talent again on his way to a slash line of .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI, his best numbers since winning MVP in 2019.

As one of the premier left-handed power bats on the market, the slugger is expected to get a large payday.

Chicago's unwillingness to hand out lengthy deals was originally thought to potentially take them out of the running to re-sign their star.

However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale isn't so sure.

"The New York Yankees, Giants and Cubs are the favorites for free-agent center fielder Cody Bellinger," he wrote for USA TODAY.

There still is plenty of work to be done by the front office before Bellinger waltzes back into the Cubs' locker room, but an insider reporting this coming out of the general managers meetings is a great start.

Getting the star slugger back into their lineup for 2024 and beyond would be a huge win for Chicago.

After signing Dansby Swanson to a lucrative deal last offseason, the Cubs need to pair him with another established star moving forward until their highly-touted prospects are ready to play at the MLB level.

Bellinger provides that.

If Nightengale is right, then Chicago could have a great shot at getting him back for the foreseeable future.