Cubs' Cody Bellinger 'excited' despite push for long-term deal - ESPN

MESA, Ariz. — At some point in a long offseason, Cody Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, understood they might have to pivot from their desire for a long-term contract and instead sign something with more flexibility.

With that in mind, the former MVP inked a three-year, $80 million deal to return to the Chicago Cubs with the opportunity to opt out and become a free agent again after each of the first two seasons.

Flanked by Boras and Cubs president Jed Hoyer during a Wednesday news conference to announce his return, Bellinger, 28, was asked how closely the offseason played out compared with what he expected. He deferred the question to Boras, turning his head to his agent for a response.

«There are variables,» Boras said. «We have some irregularity going on in this current market. We have close to 11 teams that are spending less money than they did a year go… in light of the fact we have record revenues in baseball.»

But even Boras seemed to indicate he knew there would be question marks from teams about Bellinger regardless of any spending trends.

Before producing an .881 OPS in 2023, Bellinger had two down years in 2021 and 2022 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .165 and .210, respectively. Much of that poor production could be attributed to a shoulder and foot injury, according to Boras. But teams either weren't buying the injury factor or simply chose not to spend the money.

Bellinger was again asked if he thought a long-term deal would be there for him when the offseason began.

«There's definitely that thought that goes into it,» he said. «Ultimately, that's the goal. At the end of the day, I'm super excited how it all worked out. Yes, obviously [long term], but with this [I'm] excited with it all and happy