Cubs eyeing former NL MVP in bold free agency swing

The Chicago Cubs have recently been linked with former NL MVP Cody Bellinger this offseason.

The Chicago Cubs have missed the postseason for the second year in a row following the 2022 campaign. Ever since the 2021 trade deadline, the Cubs dealt players and bolstered their farm system. Now, from all accounts, the Cubs are expected to be spending big money this winter.

One name that Cubs fans should keep an eye on is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder and former NL MVP Cody Bellinger. The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma (subscription required) noted that Chicago could be monitoring what Los Angeles does with Bellinger.

Per their reporting, Bellinger is eligible for one more year of arbitration with the Dodgers but earned $17 million in the 2022 season while performing far below his 2019 MVP season. The Cubs, for their part, would be interested in giving Bellinger a change of scenery to a player who has a good lefty bat historically and defensive versatility.

Cubs linked to Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger

NBC Sports Chicago’s Gordon Wittenmyer reported that Bellinger is on the Cubs’ radar this offseason. Mooney and Sharma also mentioned that Chicago could pursue a one-year deal as a prove-it type of measure for Bellinger.

Bellinger is expected to enter his final year of arbitration before he officially becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 campaign. The team has until Friday, Nov. 18 to decide whether they want to offer him a contract for the 2023 season, or if they will non-tender him to make him a free agent. The non-tender deadline only applies to pre-arbitration and arbitration eligible players.

As mentioned, Bellinger won the NL MVP award back in 2019, where he recorded a .305 batting average, a 1.035 WHIP, 47 home runs, 115 RBI, 121 runs scored, 170 hits, and a league-high 351 total bases. Ever since, his production has taken a hit, due in part to injuries.

This past season, Bellinger slashed .210/.265/.389 while recording 19 home runs, 68 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 106 hits.

If the Dodgers do part ways with Bellinger, keep an eye on the Cubs based on these pieces of information.