3 Cubs players who’ll be better in 2023, and 2 who won’t
By Tim Boyle
Why Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger will have a better year in 2023
One of the newest Cubs, Cody Bellinger is the ultimate rebound candidate in 2023. It has been a tale of two careers. From 2017-2019 when he won an MVP, Bellinger looked like the next superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The last three seasons looked like he might struggle against batting practice pitching.
Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers and the Cubs ended up being the team to give him a chance to get right. To believe he will have a better year in 2023 isn’t outrageous. He should be able to top the .210/.265/.389 he hit last year.
The change of scenery should help Bellinger. There is still plenty of pressure on the young man, though. The Cubs aren’t paying him to take up a roster spot. They want him to get better. Bellinger is a great match for them to do it, too.
Bellinger shouldn’t be expected to fall back into his MVP ways immediately. Some signs of life in his bat is all we can expect. Becoming a major home run threat again is one quality he lost in recent seasons. While the power hasn’t completely dissipated, pitchers figured a way to get him out. His goal with the Cubs in 2023 is to learn new ways to come out on top.