Report: Cody Bellinger officially a free agent after declining option with Cubs for 2024 originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
After an outstanding season that showcased the return of former Rookie of the Year and MVP, Cody Bellinger, the versatile player is now officially a free agent. Bellinger declined his part of a mutual option with the Chicago Cubs for the 2024 season, as stated by Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.
Cody Bellinger has declined his mutual option for the 2024 season, per Cubs.
The Cubs also declined the 2024 mutual option on RHP Brad Boxberger.
Cubs’ 40-man roster is now at 35 players.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) November 3, 2023
Additionally, Montemurro reported that the Cubs also declined their end of the mutual option for veteran right-handed reliever Brad Boxberger for the 2024 season.
In the 2023 season, Boxberger struggled with a 4.95 ERA, 11 walks, and 17 strikeouts over 20 innings in just 22 games.
As for Bellinger, this news may leave Cubs fans feeling uneasy, although it was widely expected given his improved performance after two challenging seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger, 28, had an outstanding season, posting an impressive .307/.356/.525 slash line with 26 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 97 RBI in 130 games. He also demonstrated excellent defensive skills as both a center fielder and first baseman throughout the season.
Bellinger’s remarkable comeback earned him the prestigious NL Comeback Player of the Year award and two Silver Slugger nominations. He is also expected to receive MVP votes.
The Cubs are likely to be among the teams competing for a long-term contract with Bellinger. His strong performance in the 2023 season aims to overshadow his challenging seasons in 2021 and 2022, especially the injury-plagued 2021 season.
In 2021, Bellinger played only 95 games and struggled with a 44 OPS+ and a .165/.240/.302 slash line, with just 21 extra-base hits. He finished the season with a replacement level of 1.7 wins below average.
In 2022, Bellinger showed some improvement but remained a below-average hitter with an 81 OPS+ and a .265 on-base percentage.
While teams may have concerns regarding Bellinger’s batted ball metrics from 2023, which showed success on soft contact, the Cubs are expected to be strong contenders for signing the former league MVP to a lucrative long-term deal.
