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A reunion with Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger has been inevitable all summer.
Even though the free agent market has moved at a blazing pace over the last 3 1/2 months, the Cubs, coming off a stellar bounce-back season, seemed like the ideal fit for Bellinger.
ESPN reported that the Cubs agreed to a three-year, $80 million deal with Bellinger. Jeff Passan It is stated that Bellinger’s deal will pay him $30 million for the first two years and $20 million for the third year, but can be waived after the first and second years.
Bellinger, 28, gives the Cubs a left-handed hitter they can rely on in the middle of the order. They first solved their lack of left-handed power last month when they acquired infielder Michael Busch, the Triple-A Pacific Coast League MVP, from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cubs are trying to build on last year under new manager Craig Counsell, this time trying to avoid the late-September slump that left them one game out of the postseason. Bellinger’s deal, potentially up to three years, is compatible with the Cubs’ current roster.
Bringing Bellinger back is a good move to get the Cubs into the postseason after his signing. Japanese southpaw Shota Imanaga And senior assistant Héctor Neris. With an improved pitching staff and a largely intact offensive core for the Cubs, a roster that helped produce one of baseball’s best records from late June through early September, there shouldn’t be any excuses if they fail to clinch a playoff spot in 2024.
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