CHICAGO — As the Chicago Cubs stand on the brink of playoff elimination, they ⁢are preparing for another lengthy offseason, which will largely be influenced by Cody Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras. While attention around Wrigley Field begins to turn to future ⁤prospects,⁢ Bellinger remains undecided‍ about whether he will opt out of his contract or remain with the Cubs for the next season,⁢ according to informed sources.

No⁢ matter what Bellinger chooses, the Cubs will ⁢be content with his decision. Constructing a team anticipated to achieve 90​ wins — rather than merely vying for the final postseason spot — requires acquiring more dynamic and established talent. At 29, Bellinger boasts a former ⁣MVP⁤ title and a World Series ring, along with well-rounded abilities and solid rapport with his teammates and⁣ coaches. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to expect a 4-WAR season from him, and he might only need to commit for a single year.

If Bellinger opts ‌to re-enter free agency, the Cubs can enhance their financial flexibility this winter,​ allowing them to fill his primary ​positions within the organization using Pete Crow-Armstrong (in center field), Seiya Suzuki (in right field), and Michael Busch (at first‌ base), ​while ⁢exploring other avenues for improvements.

Central to Bellinger’s ⁢decision is the awareness that the Cubs (79-75) ‌have ⁢eight games left following Friday’s afternoon victory over the Washington‍ Nationals, which ended 3-1. The outcomes of these remaining games matter from both a team and individual standpoint.

“When you’re in the big leagues,” Bellinger remarked, “you always have something to play for.”

After the Cubs traded ⁣away players at the 2022 deadline and concluded that ‍season with 88 losses, team president Jed Hoyer’s front office utilized that October to devise a strategy, ⁢pinpointing Bellinger as a top priority. Given Bellinger’s prior two⁢ injury-plagued years and the rising salaries within the arbitration system, the Cubs believed the Los Angeles Dodgers would refrain from extending him a contract.

Consequently, Bellinger signed a one-year, $17.5 ‌million contract with the Cubs that winter, preventing ⁤another mid-season sell-off that summer, as he propelled the team with periods‍ of⁢ MVP-caliber performance (.307 batting average, 26 home runs, 97 RBIs). Nonetheless, numerous factors hindered Bellinger, who is represented by the prominent agent Boras. These include his injury history, a significant⁢ decline during his stint ​with ‍the Dodgers, and analytical concerns regarding his offensive profile, along with broader market dynamics affecting⁣ the baseball industry’s television model.

Bellinger returned to the Cubs after spring‌ training commenced, signing a three-year, $80 million contract that provides player opt-out options after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Following the‍ Cubs’ narrow miss of a playoff berth by just ⁣one game last year, Bellinger aimed​ to be⁣ a key player in their pursuit.

“I’m definitely disappointed,” Bellinger said, reflecting on the two-month period when the Cubs squandered a 17-9 start, eventually sinking⁢ to ⁣nine games below ⁢.500 before making a slight recovery towards⁣ wild-card contention. ⁤“I wish I could have contributed more. There’s always something you feel you could improve. It was a⁤ challenging stretch. You just keep pushing through.”

This season, ⁤Bellinger returned from two separate injuries more quickly than the Cubs anticipated, enduring ⁢broken ribs and a fractured​ finger. He continues to demonstrate ‍remarkable arm strength, speed, and‌ defensive prowess across multiple positions. As a left-handed hitter, he is an above-average contributor at a time when offensive output is lacking ⁣across the league, especially given the‌ increased difficulty of hitting at Wrigley Field.

However, to extend⁤ their play into October, the Cubs needed ⁢greater offensive production from Bellinger, who has tallied 18 homers, 73 RBIs, and a .760 OPS.

“I still feel he’s had a really ⁣solid season,” Cubs manager ⁢Craig Counsell commented. “His defensive versatility has proven to be immensely valuable. He‌ has delivered some critical swings ​and performances undoubtedly. I don’t think much has changed; he is still excelling in many areas. We simply haven’t seen⁤ as​ much power output.”

Numbers that are good, yet not remarkable, still contribute to another commendable season for Bellinger, building on his 2023 Comeback Player of the⁣ Year accolade​ and ‍putting more distance between himself and the disappointing final two seasons at Dodger Stadium. Boras may also ‍position Bellinger⁣ as a two-way center fielder, a rare asset in the current game.

The Cubs appreciate Bellinger’s positive​ influence on Crow-Armstrong, the rookie center fielder with Gold Glove potential, ⁢along with the broader clubhouse environment. Additionally, Bellinger’s family enjoys their Chicago ⁢setup, coupled with a training‌ facility near​ their Arizona home, further complicating his imminent decision to stay or leave.

(Top photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)