Cubs bargain bin free agency signing panning out even worse than expected

The Chicago Cubs made a low-risk, high-reward signing on a revitalization project this winter. It’s already panning out worse than they would have hoped.

The Chicago Cubs took a calculated risk this winter when they signed former MVP Cody Bellinger to a one-year deal worth $17.5 million. The 2019 MVP fell off a cliff offensively in 2021 and 2022 compared to his earlier seasons, becoming a frustrating face in Dodgers lore over the years.

After putting up a .928 OPS in 2017-19, he declined to .648 in the following three seasons.

While he didn’t come cheap, the early exit opportunity on the contract made him an explainable gamble in the outfield. If he proved his MVP days are truly all the way behind him, the Cubbies could move on by in the following offseason.

Unfortunately, if his play continues as it did in the first few games of the season, they might have to look for ways to fill his role earlier than that.

Cody Bellinger performing even worse than expected for Cubs

No one expected Bellinger to restore up to an MVP-level after what the last few years have been. But there were hopes that a change of scenery and a new uniform would help him get back on track. His steamer projection was a batting average of .236 and an on-base percentage of .306.

So far, he’s contributed essentially nothing. He’s 0-for-11 with a single walk. Defensively he hasn’t made any mistakes, but is serving as essentially a warm body in Chicago right now.

Chicago made out 1-2 after their opening series against the Brewers, and there were some definite positive signs from the first few games. Two of the three starters looked solid, and Dansby Swanson is proving to be an incredible add on both sides of the ball.

Bellinger, though… Yeah, there’s clearly a reason he’s gained the reputation he has. There’s no problem with taking a chance on a guy like him if you think you can contribute to his reinvention, but the Cubs need to re-evaluate their plans for him, and fast.

For now, his lack of hits can be lumped in with team-wide struggles. The Cubs came out of opening weekend with just 20 total hits, the seventh-lowest in the league. Perhaps a rising tide will come for Bellinger and the rest of the team soon. Seven of those hits came from Swanson alone.

Thankfully for Chicago and Bellinger alike, Chicago is just three games into the year. Plenty of time to get adjusted and get back on track. But the early returns just can’t be ignored.