The Chicago Cubs has played two Spring Training games winning both and seen flashes from young talents like Matt Shaw and Brennan Davis over the first two games including showcasing Pete Crow-Armstrong’s speed. While these kids have impressed, the biggest news is the return of Cody Bellinger!! Jeff Passan, an ESPN baseball reporter has announced a 3 year $80 million deal with opt-outs after the first two years have been agreed to.
OF/1B – Cody Bellinger
Cody had been linked to returning to the Cubs all offseason and for the majority of that time the Cubs were the favorites to sign, why did it take so long, well one can assume it has more to do with his agent than Cody himself. Either way, the Cubs have many options now and new manager Craig Counsell has a lot of weapons at his disposal. Belling last year with the Cubs won the Come Back Player of the Year Award. Last season Cody last season hit .307 and had 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 Stolen bases.
Summary
I am excited to see how Craig Counsell manages his options in the Outfield with Bellinger back where and how does he use him? Does this Push Pete Crow-Armstrong to the Minors? Or will Cody play First base while Crow-Armstrong plays Center? Will both PCA and Bellinger play the outfield and Seiya Suzuki cover the DH role? The options Counsell has with the lineup are there and I am excited to see how he handles it. With the addition of Bellinger, I believe this Cubs team has put themselves in a position to Win the NL Central.
