ESPN discusses latest with Cody Bellinger and Cubs |
The standstill continues.
The latest update regarding the Cubs and free agent slugger Cody Bellinger suggests that while a deal is not entirely off the table, the team is prepared to move forward into the 2024 season without the 2019 MVP. “That doesn't mean a deal can't still happen, but it does show that the Cubs are willing to enter 2024 without the 2019 MVP and that it is extremely unlikely the team changes its stance on offering a massive deal -- especially considering the plan was always to transition to Crow-Armstrong in center," ESPN's Jesse Rogers wrote Monday. "A shorter team stay with opt outs is always a possibility though, as the Cubs want to remain flexible as its young players mature into big leaguerss. This is not good news for Cubs fans hoping for a Bellinger reunion as the Cubs full squad reports today in Mesa, Arizona to ramp up spring training activity. Bellinger had an impressive 2023 season where he showcased his power with 26 home runs, 29 doubles, and racked up 97 RBIs, 95 runs, and 20 stolen bases, along with a solid .881 OPS. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts addressed Bellinger on Monday. “There’s been some discussions, but it hasn’t become a negotiation yet.” Currently, the Cubs are going to the regular season with PCA and Mike Tauchman manning centerfield. "We have a lot of young players and some young veteran players that I think have a chance to take real steps forward," Hoyer said recently. "The most exciting thing for me is I think we have a deep roster. And we have a deep roster of players that have a chance to continue to get better. I think that gives me a lot of hope that we can accomplish this year what we couldn't last year."
