(670 The Score) When the Dodgers cast off former MVP outfielder Cody Bellinger this past offseason, the Cubs believed he could return to form in joining them.
Bellinger has fulfilled the Cubs' hopes this season, hitting .305 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs over 62 games this season. After being non-tendered by the Dodgers, Bellinger is playing at a high level once again as part of a one-year, $17.5-million deal with the Cubs.
Cubs manager David Ross told the Bernstein & Holmes Show that Bellinger has reaped the rewards of his own work and positioned himself well ahead of free agency this offseason.
"What Belli is doing this year is pretty spectacular," Ross said Tuesday afternoon from a live broadcast from Audacy's Bluecross Blueshield Performance Stage. "I think he's exceeded our expectations. We like to pride ourselves on identifying some guys that might fit in really well here and some freedom of what we are able to provide here, whether it's in the bullpen or in center field, or a guy like (Marcus Stroman) who comes in and you let a guy be themselves.
"The work that Belli has put in in the offseason in identifying where he wants to be better and him teaming up with our hitting guys and sticking to that plan, it's all him. I think as a manager and an organization, it's impossible to take credit for that. I think he's thriving in an environment of change.
"We're happy Cody is here, he's put in a lot of work and going to make himself a lot of money."
Bellinger was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017 and earned MVP honors two years later in 2019. But he fell off in recent years, hitting .193 from 2021-'22 and it forced the Dodgers to part ways.
Now 28, Bellinger has set himself to hit the open market as a free agent next offseason. He has been the subject of trade discussions with the Cubs, who could possibly sell off prior to MLB's Aug. 1 trade deadline.
The Cubs host the Nationals on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.
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