Cubs, Bellinger agree to 3 year deal

It has been rumored for quite a while, but now it is official - Cody Bellinger is returning to the Cubs on a 3 year, $80 Million deal.
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Bellinger, aged 28, reportedly has the option to opt out after either the first or second years of the contract. Sources indicate he's slated to earn $30 million for the upcoming season, another $30 million in 2025 (conditional on not opting out after the first year), and $20 million in 2026 (provided he doesn't opt out after the second year).

In 2023, Bellinger's improved health propelled him to a standout season, earning him recognition as the National League Comeback Player of the Year. Despite finishing 10th in NL MVP voting, he significantly reduced his strikeout rate compared to previous seasons and demonstrated prowess against left-handed pitchers, boasting a .337 batting average with a .984 OPS against them.

Prior to joining the Cubs, Bellinger had endured two challenging seasons due to a lingering shoulder injury sustained during the 2020 playoffs. Despite registering his lowest average exit velocity of his career in 2023 at just 87.9 mph, he adjusted his approach by shortening his swing with two strikes, resulting in softer contact but fewer strikeouts. Remarkably, his whiff rate dropped to a career-low of 15.6%, and he batted .279 with two strikes, ranking second in all of baseball behind Luis Arraez.
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After securing a deal worth $17.5 million with Chicago, Bellinger earned a Silver Slugger award. He then chose to decline a $25 million option for the current season, entering a market rife with potential for top-tier hitters. However, initial assessments by general managers deemed his asking price excessive. As Bellinger lingered on the market, the pool of teams willing to make significant financial commitments dwindled.