As Cody Bellinger Enjoys His Cubs Return, Is a Long-Term Deal in the Cards?

Cody Bellinger’s baseball journey has taken an intriguing turn. The former MVP had found his groove again with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, but his three-year, $80 million contract with opt-outs for this season leaves the question of long-term stability hanging.

After a disappointing few seasons, Bellinger’s contract structure reveals both his desire to re-establish his value and the uncertainty surrounding his future performance. Will he be able to prove that his resurgence wasn’t a fluke, cashing in on his opt-outs for a mega-deal, or will he settle into a comfortable but less lucrative future with the Cubs?

After battling injuries and underperformance, Cody Bellinger’s 2023 season was a breath of fresh air. He hit .307 with 26 home runs and a 134 wRC+, proving he’s still a potent offensive force. However, his market value wasn’t what he likely hoped for.

“There’s definitely that thought (of a long-term deal),” Cody Love admitted in Wednesday’s Press Conference, as reported by The Athletic, hinting at a possible seven-year-plus tenure—“ultimately, that’s the goal.” His agent, Scott Boras, blamed the less-than-stellar offers on a contracting market and highlighted how Bellinger thrived where others might have struggled after difficult seasons. While he did impress, advanced metrics raised concerns.

Cody Bellinger’s barrel rate, exit velocity, and hard-hit rate were below average, leading some analysts to question the sustainability of his offensive production. However, Bellinger himself brushes off the criticism: “I hear it… I definitely trust myself as a baseball player to go out every single day and put my best product on the field.”

Read More: Cody Bellinger Signs, Settles for $150M Less After Scott Boras Staredown Backfires

Boras dismisses the focus on these stats, pointing to Bellinger’s adaptive two-strike approach and highlighting areas where he still demonstrates power. But it’s the opt-outs in his deal that are really raising eyebrows.

Contract Clues and Cody Bellinger’s Belief

The unique structure of Bellinger’s deal, including opt-outs after each of the first two years, suggests that both he and the Cubs recognize the need for continued proof of his value. It’s a calculated bet on himself, as Bellinger stated: “I trust that the positive results are going to come. I believe in myself.” If he replicates or improves upon his 2023 success, a massive payday could await—perhaps fueled by the leverage those opt-outs will provide.

Despite the questions, Cody Bellinger seems genuinely happy with the Cubs. “I’m super happy it worked out the way it did,” he said. The team and city clearly suit him, and his return strengthens Chicago’s lineup and defense. The Cubs narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023, and Bellinger has unfinished business: “We were so close last year… For me to come back here with almost the same team and experience playoffs in Chicago is something I want to do, something I want to experience.”

Right now, Cody Love’s future in Chicago is an open book. Those opt-outs offer flexibility, but they also hint at lingering uncertainty. His performance over the next few seasons will determine whether this reunion serves as a springboard to a long-term superstar contract or the start of a new, albeit less lucrative, chapter in his career. Regardless, the story of Bellinger’s potential redemption is one that every baseball fan will be watching closely.

Read More: Cody Bellinger Deal Opens Floodgates for ‘Bridge Contracts’ With Remaining Scott Boras Free Agents