The Chicago Cubs and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year, $80 million contract Sunday.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal includes a $30 million salary in 2024 and 2025, as well as a $20 million base in 2026. After the first two seasons, Bellinger will have the option to opt out of the contract and return to free agency.
The contract raises Chicago’s Opening Day payroll to a projected $218 million, ranking eighth in MLB. Bellinger will be the highest-paid player on the Cubs’ 2024 roster.
Here’s how Chicago’s lineup should look after Bellinger returns:
1. Mike Tauchman (CF)
2. Nico Hoerner, second baseman
3. Ian Happ, LF
4. Cody Bellinger (1B)
5. Seiya Suzuki, RF.
6. Dansby Swanson (SS)
7. Christopher Morel, DH.
8. Yan Gomes, C.
9. Nick Madrigal, third baseman
While last season helped to boost Bellinger’s value in baseball, his extended free agency should show that not every team is buying his comeback. Bellinger experienced the lowest average exit.
Last summer, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with the Cubs after being non-tendered by the Dodgers. He hit.307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, earning a Silver Slugger award.
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