3 Chicago Cubs to blame for slow start to season
By Drew Koch
2. Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger deserves some blame for Chicago’s slow start
The chances of the Chicago Cubs seeing Cody Bellinger return to his NL MVP form were slim. After all, the centerfielder has struggled in the batter’s box since 2020. But the Cubbies were hoping to get a little more than a .557 OPS out of their $17.5-million investment.
Bellinger signed a hefty contract, but after seeing finding success in Los Angeles, Chicago has to be wondering whether or not they’ve been sold a bill of goods. Bellinger is 6-for-34 thus far and has an on-base percentage south of .275.
Bellinger obviously provides good defense up the middle, but Chicago has plenty of capable outfield defenders. Christopher Morel is currently in the minors, but if Bellinger doesn’t get things going, the Cubs could recall the 23-year-old in a hurry.
Cody Bellinger was virtually unstoppable during his first three major league seasons. After winning Rookie of the Year and going to the All-Star Game in 2017, Bellinger ripped off three seasons in which he slashed .278/.369/.559 and walloped 111 dingers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers thought so little of Bellinger after last season that he was non-tendered. At the moment, the Cubs are probably wishing they had Jason Heyward back in the outfield.