5 Players who could play first base for the Chicago Cubs in 2024

2. Cody Bellinger

The Chicago Cubs are hopefully the most likely candidates to give Cody Bellinger a long-term deal this winter. After mighty struggles at the plate over the last few years of his tenure in Los Angeles, Bellinger saw a near-full return to his MVP form while playing in Chicago this year.

Bellinger' agent Scott Boras is notorious for his ability to negotiate the most lucrative deals in Major League Baseball, meaning the Cubs will need to pay top dollar to re-sign the 28-year-old. Assuming that the Cubs are able to work out this deal to bring Bellinger back, I would guess he spends most of his playing time at first base despite getting the paycheck that a star center fielder would command.

Of course, where Bellinger plays will heavily depend on the other moves the team makes this winter. For example, if the Cubs indeed go out and get Pete Alonso, Bellinger would have to play in the outfield or DH. The team may also not be ready to give star prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong the full reigns of center field, meaning Bellinger would be the logical plug at center field until Crow-Armstrong develops.

Even if he doesn't play at first base, Bellinger is a must have for the Cubs this offseason.