Bellinger and the Cubs Are Playing a Risky Game…
They did get a rising star prospect who is poised to contribute in the Major Leagues, a seasoned bullpen component who has accrued significant innings over the last several years, and a starter who should start at the top of their rotation.
The Cubs have yet to add a star player, though.After they started the offseason aiming to add Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso to their lineup, things haven’t quite gone as planned.They appear to be debating which free agent, Cody Bellinger or Matt Chapman, they would be more interested in signing without adding any of those guys.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, all the signals point to a reunion with Bellinger, but it appears that reunions are contingent upon his asking price being lowered.Though Chicago might not be acting anxious to sign a star after passing on others, other clubs might still be interested in signing him given that his agent, Scott Boras, is allegedly still looking for a $200 million contract.
The slugging outfielder has previously been connected to the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. Additionally, none of these clubs had the anticipated offseason. Given that the Red Sox are supposedly trying to reduce their budget and the Mariners don’t appear to want to spend a lot of money on free agents this cycle, the Blue Jays appear to be Bellinger’s most likely rival.
In this contract agreement, the Cubs are essentially having a chicken game with the opposition.Bellinger’s return would be greatly desired, but only at their preferred cost.
At this point, it appears as though they have a chance to prevail, but all it takes is for one team to buckle under pressure and part with enough cash to give Boras what he wants this summer.Chicago is playing a risky game that, if things don’t work out, might eventually cost them another great player.