The Windy City is abuzz with speculation. Will the roar of the Chicago Cubs fans echo through Wrigley Field once more, fueled by the electrifying bat of Cody Bellinger? After a thrilling, near-miss 2023 season, the Cubs find themselves at a crossroads. Enter Bellinger, the free-agent prize whose bat could be the missing piece in their championship puzzle this year. But is it a slam dunk or a risky swing for the fences?

Let’s rewind to 2023. The Chicago Cubs, under the now-inactive manager David Ross, surprised everyone by finishing second in the NL Central. Bellinger, a key acquisition, played a major role. His 108 OPS+ and solid defense in center field provided a much-needed offensive boost. But with Pete Crow-Armstrong waiting in the wings, Bellinger’s long-term fit, especially as a first baseman, is debatable. So, why the Bellinger buzz?

Chicago Cubs eye NL Central crown with star slugger’s probable return

It’s simple: the NL Central is wide open. The Milwaukee Brewers, though favored, dealt away ace Corbin Burnes, leaving the division title up for grabs.

The Athletic says that the Chicago Cubs, with a young talent like Dansby Swanson and a solid core, are already contenders. Bellinger’s power bat, especially against lefties, perfectly complements their lineup. But it’s not a no-brainer.

Bellinger’s underlying metrics raise concerns. His 2023 success might not translate perfectly, and his hefty price tag could strain the budget. Cubs president Jed Hoyer is known for his cautious approach, and Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, isn’t known for budging easily.

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So, will Bellinger return to Wrigley?

Bleacher Report’s “high” hope meter reflects the cautious optimism. Industry experts like Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic believe a deal is likely, with each passing day increasing the chances. Ultimately, the decision rests with Hoyer.

Can he swallow the risk and pay Bellinger’s price? Does he believe Bellinger can mentor the young guns while providing the pop the lineup needs? The answer will determine if the roar of the crowd in 2024 is one of celebration or disappointment.

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Chicago Cubs fans are holding their breath. The return of Cody Bellinger could be the spark that ignites a championship run. But if the deal falls through, the Cubs might find themselves swinging for the fences without their star slugger, hoping to hit a home run in the wide-open NL Central. Only time will tell if Bellinger’s bat will bring back the roar to Wrigley or not.