Fansided

MLB Rumors: 3 best free-agent signings and 1 team that whiffed on each

By Robert Murray

Nick Anderson #70 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the seventh inning of their MLB game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Nick Anderson #70 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the seventh inning of their MLB game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Cody Bellinger, Dodgers, Cubs
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, Chicago Cubs

I’ll admit, I was one of the people skeptical of the Chicago Cubs signing Cody Bellinger. Since his MVP season in 2019, he had averaged between .165 and .239, and played in only 295 games in three seasons since.

The Cubs gave Bellinger $17.5 million, which is not a small commitment, but for only one season and thus limited the risk. If it hits, the Cubs have the inside track at signing Bellinger long-term. If it doesn’t, then Bellinger is off their payroll and free to sign with another team after the 2023 season.

So far, Bellinger looks like a tremendous addition by Jed Hoyer and the Cubs. In 26 games, he’t hitting .303/.377/.596 with a .973 OPS, seven home runs and 18 RBI. Most importantly, he looks healthy and appears to be benefitting from a change of scenery.

There were a lot of teams interested in Bellinger this offseason, but Chicago feels like it was the perfect place for him to bounce back. But there surely are plenty of teams who likely wish they could have another chance at signing the former MVP, perhaps none more so than the San Francisco Giants.

One team that missed out: San Francisco Giants

Next. Every MLB team's Mount Rushmore. dark

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