Chicago Cubs have just been dealt a huge blow to their winter plans. 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger has been a huge part of the team and just had a brilliant comeback season. Signed?to a $17.5 million, one-year contract, the slugger helped the team finish second in the NL Central at 83-79. The Cubs had been through a long losing streak but as promised, Bellinger was their knight in shining armor. At least for a while.

Injuries and underperformance resulted in the Los Angeles Dodgers letting him go last November. The Chicago team took a chance on him and Bellinger helped the team stay in playoff contention until late in the year. But the slugger’s time in ChiTown is up. With their star slugger lost, where will the Cubs look next?

As Cody Bellinger Chooses Free Agency, Will Cubs Let Him Go?

The Chicago Cubs confirmed on Friday that the 28-year-old would not play for the team in 2024. Bellinger declined his mutual option with the club for 2024, choosing to become a free agent instead. Despite a $12 million offer, the outfielder has chosen to part ways after a year of great performance.

A former Rookie of the Year, Bellinger had a slash line of .307/.356/.525 with 26 homers, and 97 RBIs in 2023. ?It was a significant move for a player despite having a shoulder injury before the last season. Having full faith in him, Chicago took a chance on him and Cody Bellinger brought a proud moment for the team. Not to mention, he even won the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year award!

Selected for the two Silver Slugger nominations for his superlative performance, Bellinger will now be a coveted free agent. In the meanwhile, Cubs fans are left apprehensive of the future. Although he doesn’t hit free agency until 2024, could Juan Soto be an option?

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After Cody Bellinger?s rejection, the Cubs hope for strong contenders for their services

Based on batted ball metrics, the sustainability of Bellinger?s success is questionable. However, the Chicago Cubs still have strong contenders, like All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, who could be secured on a nine-figure deal. Moreover, a report suggested that the Cubs are attempting a major effort to bring back Bellinger. Even if it’s true, Soto’s excellent offense is a plus for any team and could work in the Cubs’ favor.

Read More- The List of High-Profile MLB Free Agents Grows Even Larger, but Who Will Pursue a 38-Year-Old Veteran?

Apart from that, having three World Series Championship titles, the club recently rejected their mutual option for veteran Brad Boxberger. With the offseason on the horizon, Chicago needs to be decisive enough to aim for a 2024 postseason berth.

Undoubtedly, Cody Bellinger?s free agency has turned heads as ambiguity shrouds the atmosphere regarding the star player?s next big move.

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