Chicago Cubs GM Backs ”Small Market” Mentality That Landed Shota Imanaga, Urges Patience Amidst Stalled Cody Bellinger Talks

Chicago Cubs are without a doubt one of the biggest market teams in MLB. So it’s a surprise that their recent strategy has been to minimize that advantage. Despite a wealth of monetary and prospect resources at their hands, the Cubs have remained cautious in their free-agent approach. Their President Jed Hoyer recently revealed his reasons for running the franchise like a “Small market team”.

With a strategy that minimizes risks and maximizes growth, it isn’t a surprise that the Cubs has remained firm in its stance on players like Cody Bellinger. Though the Cubs’ cautiousness doesn’t mean that they refuse to spend money, what it means is that their criteria for huge spending has taken them into a rather creative avenue.

Chicago Cubs A big market’s “Small market” team

The Cubs are in a celebratory mood right now. With the signing of Shota Imanaga and the acquisition of Michael Busch, they have suddenly brought life to their lackluster offseason. So president Jed Hoyer recently granted an interview to The Athletic, where he revealed his mantra for conducting business. “When people say a small-market mentality, they’re talking about trying to find value in deals and undervalued players. I always want to do that.” Hoyer declared. 

However, the Cubs President also was quick to point out that they have signed a big deal with Dansby Swanson (7 years, $177 million), but that’s an advantage that the Cubs want to be careful with. They have the resources but to use them carelessly is something that Hoyer always avoids. To do that he has found a creative avenue – short-term deals. 

In recent times, the Cubbies have consistently given short-term contracts to players. Even Shota Imanaga was given a 4 year $53 million contract, which the team can convert to $80 million for 5 years. The North Siders have ensured that they don’t go on a loss if things go south with Imanaga. This is a strategy that the team employed with Marcus Stroman too when they gave him a two-year with an option for third. 

Watch This Story: Delving Deep Into The Probable Reasons Behind Chicago Cubs’ Getting Nod From The Japanese Ace, Shota Imanaga, Over Other Suitors

All of this makes it obvious why the Cody Bellinger talks have lingered on till now. 

Cody Bellinger to the North Side is still the dream

The talks between the Cubs and Bellinger have gotten stuck. The financially prudent Cubs don’t want to overspend while Scott Boras knows that they can match his expectations. So the story is still developing, on the other hand, Dansby Swanson recently made his wishes known to the Athletic, “He’s (Bellinger)obviously an awesome player and we’d love to have him back. I think that’s about as clear as day. So hopefully, we can make that happen.”

Former teammates are openly wishing for Bellinger to return to the Chi-Town’s North Side. With Cody Love too having affection for the Windy City, one can still hope for a wholesome reunion between Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs.

Read more: Shota Imanaga’s Instant Connection to the North Side, Crucial Reason Behind His Chicago Cubs Decision