Cubs X-Factor Could Be Potential Bellinger Replacement

The Chicago Cubs' X-factor this season could end up being their replacement for free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger.

The Chicago Cubs' offseason moves weren't what many were hoping for after the team made Craig Counsell the highest-paid manager in baseball. 

After the Cub spent $40 million over five years to snag Counsell, himself a free agent, the expectation was that the Cubs were going to spend big this winter.

The Cubs have tried. But, so far, they haven't met that standard.

Cody Bellinger hasn't re-signed and remains a free agent. The Cubs lost out on Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in free agency, along with Juan Soto on the trade market. 

Aside from signing Shota Imanaga in January, who should be start this season as a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher, the Cubs' moves have been designed to build depth and bolster its already flush farm system. 

For many Cubs fans, the fact that Bellinger remains on the free-agent market and isn't wearing a Cubs jersey is a disappointment. Bellinger was the NL Comeback Player of the Year and produced great numbers in his only season in Chicago. 

If one is being optimistic, the Cubs could still end up with Bellinger. As long as he hasn't arrived at a deal with another team he could be re-signed. But, as a client of super-agent Scott Boras, he's holding out for the best possible deal, though as spring training continues, the best possible deal could change. 

If he doesn't return, top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is expected to take over for Bellinger in center field. Crow-Armstrong is regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in baseball and a potential multiple-time Gold Glove Award winner. He's already won a Gold Glove at the minor league level.

Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com believes Crow-Armstrong is the X-factor for Chicago in 2024, even as he writes that multiple players will need to step up if Bellinger doesn't re-sign. 

Harrigan adds that the Cubs pitching staff isn't elite and the team will lean on its offense again this season.

The 21-year-old should get mor opportunity to prove he can play at the big league level after getting just 14 at-bats last season. He didn't get a hit in those 14 at-bats and struck out seven times.