As the Chicago Cubs kicked off their full team Spring Training sessions in Mesa, Arizona, on Tuesday, there was a sense of excitement and curiosity lingering around the possibility of free agent Cody Bellinger returning to Wrigley Field. The former MVP, who is currently an unsigned free agent, was noticeably missing from the Cubs camp sparking speculation about his return to the team.
During his annual visit to Spring Training to address the team, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts shed some light on Bellinger’s status while indicating that the final call rests with Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer.
“With respect to Bellinger, I am like everybody else, I am just waiting,” Rickets said as reported by 670-The Score. “We are waiting for him and his agent to engage. It could be anytime now, or a few weeks. We will just see where it goes. I don’t know, so we wait until they get serious.”
Chicago Cubs have flexibility in pursuit of Cody Bellinger
Ricketts shared insights into how the organization approaches player signings highlighting a strategy that gives Hoyer flexibility in working with the team’s budget to re-sign Bellinger.
“Basically, the way it works is I give the baseball guys a budget to spend,” Ricketts told reporters. “So, we have a pretty simple model and we let Jed make all the decisions on where he is going to allocate his resources.”
Ricketts comments and his approach demonstrates both the Cubs interest in Bellinger and their commitment to honoring the negotiation process. Bellinger is coming off a resurgent season in 2023 where he posted a .307 batting average with 26 home runs and 97 RBI.
Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said his team has the payroll flexibility to land prized free agent Cody Bellinger, though he is still waiting for a decision to come.https://t.co/gwJMiF1dbs
— Audacy Sports (@AudacySports) February 20, 2024
After signing a one year contract with the Cubs in 2023, his potential return could have an impact on the teams performance in 2024. Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, known for his preference to negotiate directly with team owners, has not convinced Ricketts to bypass the negotiation process underlining the importance of upholding Hoyer’s credibility as GM.
The Cubs offseason roster moves, which include acquiring pitcher Shota Imanaga and reliever Hector Neris, as well as trading for first baseman Michael Busch, have left Ricketts feeling positive about the teams future.
“I believe Jed had a really good offseason,” Ricketts said. “At this point, I do not see why we wouldn’t be favored to win the division this year.”
As they gear up for the season Cody Bellinger’s potential return is big news. His comeback could strengthen a lineup aiming to compete in a division that sees an improved Cincinnati Reds team and a St. Louis Cardinals team expected to finally live up to expectations.
In 2023, the Cubs finished the season with 83 wins but floundered in September and missed the playoffs. Chicago surprisingly moved on from manager David Ross and hired former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell in November.
