3 Chicago Cubs MVP candidates, and 1 player who should be benched

Cody Bellinger (24) acknowledges the crowd during a video tribute prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Cody Bellinger (24) acknowledges the crowd during a video tribute prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cody Bellinger, Dodgers, Cubs
Apr 14, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger (24) acknowledges the crowd during a video tribute prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Cubs have plenty to be excited about early this season, but not every player can be a potential NL MVP candidate.

Go Cubs Go can be heard playing around Wrigleyville once again. Perhaps it’s just early-season hype, but Chicago looks to be a real contender in the NL Central.

While the rival St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers remain the most likely division winners, the Cubs offseason upgrades have not gone unnoticed in the Windy City. Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger have been tremendous additions, and helped change the culture around this Cubs team.

Gone are the days of failing to address major roster needs. Hurdles remain, and Chicago has some reinforcements on the way with the likes of top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong and more. And to think, this list does not include a player like Swanson, who is one of the more valuable players on the Cubs current roster.

The $177 million shortstop otherwise known as ‘The Sheriff’ has been a beacon in the clubhouse, and has taken to Chicago quite well thanks to his wife and NWSL star Mallory Swanson. When the Cubs next make the postseason, Dansby will play a major part.

But he won’t be alone.

Cubs MVP candidate: Cody Bellinger

Considering the depths Cody Bellinger sunk to with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it’s surprising he’s on this list at all. Perhaps Bellinger’s success with the Cubs is only a flash in the pan, but when Chicago signed him this offseason, there was a firm belief they could fix his swing.

Sometimes, all a player needs is a change of scenery, and thus far Bellinger has proven just that. The left-handed power bat is slashing .310/.369/.517 on the season and playing a capable center field at Wrigley. It’s a demanding position, which makes his success at the plate all the more impressive.

In his return to Los Angeles over the weekend, Bellinger admitted that at one point he assumed he would retire a Dodger. The former National League MVP, now a bit more seasoned, understands that leaving was for the best. There is no bad blood, but you can bet he wants to make LA regret their decision with another All-Star appearance.