As Cody Bellinger Talks Stall, Former Yankees Infielder Emerges as Cubs Target

Cody Bellinger’s contract negotiations are stuck in neutral. With that, maybe it is time for the Chicago Cubs to explore other options. There have been reports that they are exploring third-base folks. And one former New York Yankees infielder has caught their eye. 

Enter Gio Urshela, a former player in the Bronx who could offer a solid, cost-effective solution. If everything goes well, the North Siders might welcome this 32-year-old to their club. Amid stalling talks about ‘Belli’ reuniting with the Cubs, this option might be more viable. But this is not as easy as it appears. 

Chicago Cubs Eye Gio Urshela as An Affordable Option at Third Base As Cody Bellinger Talks Stall

Urshela, who missed a majority of the 2023 season due to injury, emerges as an interesting option for the Cubs. On one hand, he may not possess the star power of Matt Chapman. On the other hand, he offers a more affordable and perhaps better fit for their immediate needs. With that, it’s time to look at Urshela’s track record. 

Offensively, since 2019, he has slashed .291/.335/.452, portraying a powerful contact-hitting approach. Granted that he may not be a home run machine, his capabilities to hit for average and drive in runs, particularly with runners in scoring position, makes him a precious asset. That’s a segue into looking at his defense now. 

Defensively, things get slightly murkier. The Colombian’s career fielding percentage at third base sits right below the league average. Moreover, advanced metrics offer various opinions on his abilities. However, if one compares him to the Cubs’ present options at the hot corner, Urshela’s defensive runs saved paint a rather positive picture. Weighing in the pros and cons here, it appears that the 2015-debutant might save the day. But it depends on Cody Bellinger. 

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Gio Urshela as a Bridge to the Future for the Chicago Cubs?

The Bellinger factor remains key. If negotiations eventually fall through, Urshela’s market value could plummet, making him a more attractive option. In that case, it’s highly likely that he would step into a more prominent role. This way, he’d be bridging the gap until top prospect Matt Shaw is all set for the big leagues. 

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Ultimately, whether Urshela becomes a Cub relies heavily on the ongoing negotiations with Bellinger. Although, his affordability, consistent performance, and defensive versatility make him a compelling alternative. offering the Cubs valuable flexibility in their quest to solidify their third base position.