by Harry How/Getty Images
Free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger has reportedly signed with the Chicago Cubs.
john heyman between New York Post Bellinger reported to be joining the Cubs, and ESPNs Jeff Passan He said he would be on a one-year, $17.5 million contract.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were not contracted to Bellinger following the conclusion of the 2022 MLB season; It’s a decision that symbolizes how quickly his stock has fallen since he was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2019.
In 2022’s 504 record matches, Bellinger took 150 hits while staggering 0.210 hits and 0.389 hits. He also had 19 home runs and 68 RBIs.
“Obviously it’s been a unique way for Cody, who has battled injuries and has worked diligently to return to All-Star caliber performance over the past few years,” said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers head of baseball operations. “However, it didn’t turn out as well as we had hoped or expected and therefore we had to make the difficult decision not to tender.”
Bellinger could choose to return to Los Angeles for the less than $18-20 million she could have earned in 2023, but a fresh start should benefit her more.
When the 27-year-old’s performance dropped noticeably in 2020, it was easy to attribute this to the challenges of the shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After playing even worse in 2021, it was cause for concern.
A bad third season in a row for Bellinger raises serious questions about whether there’s a comeback from here.
According to FanGraphs, among batsmen who have played at least 1,000 games since 2020, the two-time All-Star has the fifth-lowest wOBA (.281) and tied Myles Straw for the fourth-worst wRC+ (78). left.
Nothing symbolizes Bellinger’s decline more than her swing.
It was so cool to watch the 1.82-inch slugger link when he first entered MLB in 2017 and went on to win MVP.
Los Angeles Dodgers @dodgers
This @Cody_Bellinger shake. pic.twitter.com/OP6i2Pw49F
Bellinger decided set your beat But in 2020. Then he suffered a shoulder injury that required further adjustment. His ongoing changes since then mark a hitter who has lost his confidence.
If Bellinger’s problems are reduced to a mechanical defect, then at least it might be something solvable. But more changes could worsen the situation, especially if it reflects a deeper psychological dynamic in the game. A defender’strivia“
Because of how good he is to start his MLB career, Bellinger is an exciting breeding project. In the middle of his offensive crater, he remains a plus defender and an effective goalkeeper.
The risk behind this move is clear, but the advantage makes the gamble easily defensible for Chicago.
The Cubs won 74-88 in 2022, their first full season after removing nearly all of the remnants of their 2016 World Series championships. Apart from the big investments from ownership, it could be another year of midfield returns in Windy City.
If that’s indeed the plan, Bellinger can thrive without the daily scrutiny that comes with preparing for a team aiming to win a championship.
