Chicago Cubs fans are going through a rollercoaster this offseason. When the offseason began, they were favorites to sign Cody Bellinger and were involved in other sweepstakes as well. Then for two months nothing happened, the worries grew, and then all of a sudden the team signed Shota Imanaga. With such a topsy-turvy offseason, is it a surprise that the Cody Bellinger talks are sending mixed signals as well? 

The financially sound strategy of President Jed Hoyer has led to a tough negotiation battle between him and Scott Boras. Could Bellinger’s love affair with Chicago act as a unifying force this time?

Cody Bellinger remains Chicago’s favorite

Cody Bellinger had a career renaissance last season with the Chicago Cubs. After a string of bad seasons, the Cubs gave him an atmosphere that allowed Cody Love to flourish. This is something that is not lost on the slugger, who still shares a very loving relationship with the Windy City. So it’s no surprise that The Athletic’s Jim Bowden considers the Cubs as an ideal option for Bellinger. “A return to the Cubs is the best option for Bellinger, who has generated interest in free agency from the Blue Jays, Giants and Angels, among others,” Bowden said.

This could come as a huge relief for Cubs fans, who made their love for Bellinger known through their continuous chants. Ever since Cody Love stepped foot in Wrigley Field, he had an instant connection with the Cubbies. The fans loved his attitude and he returned their love by giving them some of his career-best performances.

While the love of fans is one thing, what makes Chicago the best option for Bellinger is the environment that the clubhouse provides to him. Many reports have said that he loves the Cubs’ coaching staff. They were the ones who helped Bellinger relocate his form after spending three years in the wilderness. 

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At the same time, there’s one more reason why the Cubs are more suitable than other teams – their ability to pay more.

The Chicago Cubs remain a team with big resources

Jim Bowden had written, “I believe Bellinger will get his best offer from Chicago, where he had his NL Comeback Player of the Year season last year.” Despite their recent strategy of short-term, low-risk contracts, the Cubs still are a major market team. Their resources are naturally higher than most teams. The North Side’s financial strength combined with their controlled payroll makes them an ideal club to make a big offer. 

This is something that Boras knows too. Perhaps that’s why he has remained in a staring contest with Jed Hoyer. But with both the president and super agent not ready to give up on their stance, this talk could stretch even more.

Read more: Is Cody Bellinger’s Prolonged Free Agency a Saving Grace for the Chicago Cubs?