(670 The Score) Former MVP Cody Bellinger and the Cubs struck a one-year deal for the 2023 season with both sides hoping that he could return to his All-Star form in Chicago and set himself up for a long-term contract next offseason in free agency. But could his next contract be signed before then in the form of the Cubs reaching an extension with him?
The 27-year-old Bellinger is off to a hot start, hitting .291 with seven home runs and a .909 OPS in 33 games while serving as a key piece in the Cubs' lineup and playing terrific defense in center field. A two-time All-Star and the 2019 National League MVP, Bellinger is proving himself as a prolific player once again.
On the Mully & Haugh Show on Wednesday morning, general manager Carter Hawkins declined to discuss the specifics of whether the Cubs could work on an extension with Bellinger during the season, but he made it clear the team loves what Bellinger has brought to the club.
“If you asked me, ‘Hey, do you want a plus defensive center fielder that can hit both righties and lefties with some power and is great in the clubhouse?’ Like, yeah, I’ll take that,” Hawkins said. “So, we’re really excited about having him be here and would love to find a way to have him here for a long time. When there’s an appropriate time to have those conversations, we’ll have them.”
Bellinger is earning $17.5 million in 2023. He sought a one-year deal in free agency this past offseason after being non-tendered by the Dodgers, betting on himself with the belief that he could return to prominence individually. The Cubs coveted Bellinger because of his high ceiling, their need in center field and their belief that they could help him play at a high level again.
Bellinger has a slash line of .291/.366/.543, with each of those marks his highest since he won the National League MVP in 2019.
The Cubs host the Cardinals for the finale of their three-game series Wednesday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. CT, with pregame coverage starting at 6:05 p.m. on 670 The Score.
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