Former Cubs Slugger Looking For Top-Dollar Deal In Free Agency

A report disclosed just how much Chicago Cubs free agent Cody Bellinger is looking for in free agency.

Cody Bellinger is looking for top dollar in free agency. He always has been. And when you consider his agent is Scott Boras, that becomes even more clear.

But, there’s a difference between what one wants and what one gets.

What do Bellinger and his agent want? Well, per the New York Post, the former Chicago Cubs slugger is seeking a deal worth “200 million plus” in free agency.

After Shohei Ohtani, most have considered Bellinger to be the top position player on the market. He can play center field and he can play first base. He has resurrected his bat to the point where he can serve as a designated hitter when needed, and the universal DH opens up his market.

The idea that Bellinger could get this much on the opener market isn’t illogical. For instance, MLB Trade Rumors projected Bellinger would get a 12-year, $264 million deal before free agency began.

Not only is Ohtani off the market, but so is Juan Soto after his trade to the New York Yankees. Korean slugger Jung Hoo Lee, who signed with the San Francisco Giants last week.

Bellinger has command of the market and an agent know for getting top dollar. With Lee off the market, USA Today reports that the Cubs, the Blue Jays and the Padres now have Bellinger “squarely” on their radars.

Another reason Bellinger will likely get what he’s looking for is his age. He’s just 28. The type of deal MLB Trade Rumors proposed would carry him through the rest of this career.

He’s hitting the market at the perfect time.

Bellinger was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year after he a Silver Slugger and slashed .307/.356/.525/.881 in 130 games with 26 home runs and 97 RBI, despite missing a month with an injury.

That came after two awful seasons in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, in which he barely batted .200 and dealt with injuries that limited his ability to play at the level that made him the 2019 National League MVP and a 2020 World Series champion.

Bellinger is also a former NL Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove recipient.