Inside The Cubs

Could Chicago Cubs Entertain Extending Bellinger's Contract?

The Chicago Cubs are in an odd position this season, but could that help convince them to extend Cody Bellinger beyond the 2023 MLB season?

Kade Kistner

Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Cubs are in an interesting position. They sit eight games back of .500 but since they compete in perhaps the weakest division in baseball, they are still technically in the postseason hunt.

The 2023 MLB season was never supposed to be the year the Cubs contended for the division, perhaps not even a Wild Card spot. But after a hot start, expectations quickly grew. 

Now, the idea of whether to buy or sell at the MLB trade deadline is front and center. With most leaning towards the idea that selling is the best option for the future. 

Most Chicago fans have seen this song and dance before. 

One player who could bring back a significant haul at the deadline is Cody Bellinger who is on a one-year, $17.5 million deal. 

However, a recent column at The Athletic posed the idea that maybe the Cubs would be better off bringing Bellinger back beyond this season.

It cites the obvious - he's a good, versatile player who can help build a winning team and lineup. 

But here's another idea.

Instead of letting him hit free agency, or the age old "let's trade him and try to re-sign him in the offseason" how about the front office pursue an extension prior to the deadline.

Chicago has money locked up in Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ already. Marcus Stroman should have already been extended but for whatever reason hasn't even been approached. 

If this team was truly committed to building a better team, perhaps to contend even as soon as next season, a Gold Glove, MVP caliber player like Bellinger is a great building block to have.

A middle-of-the-order left-handed bat that can play every outfield position and first base. 

Plus, a multi-year extension would help reduce the average yearly cost of keeping such a player. 

Extending Bellinger just makes too much sense.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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