Chicago Cubs New: Cody Bellinger meets with media, Correa fallout and more

New Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger was officially introduced by the team on Tuesday and held a zoom press conference with reporters.

There has been much focus on the offensive struggles that Bellinger has had since winning the National League MVP award in 2019 and the outfielder is confident in the work he has done this offseason in order to get his body right.

Bellinger believes injuries were a factor in his struggles over the past couple of seasons. Says he is healthy and body feels good. #Cubs
— Cubbies Crib (@CubbiesCrib) December 20, 2022

Bellinger is doing targeted workouts and allowing his body to be free. #Cubs
— Cubbies Crib (@CubbiesCrib) December 20, 2022

Bellinger was asked about whether or not he relies on modern analytics as was to improve his offensive skill set.

Bellinger sees the positive in modern analytics for his hitting approach but is more into translating his weight room movements to his swing. #Cubs
— Cubbies Crib (@CubbiesCrib) December 20, 2022

Bellinger also spoke glowingly about new Cubs' teammate, shortstop Dansby Swason.

Bellinger is very excited about being teammates with Dansby Swanson. #Cubs
— Cubbies Crib (@CubbiesCrib) December 20, 2022

Given the success that Bellinger had previously had with the Dodgers, he was also asked about the leadership qualities that he would bring to the Cubs.

Bellinger looking forward to leading by example and having fun. Spoke with Ian Happ yesterday and is excited about the #Cubs defensive potential.
— Cubbies Crib (@CubbiesCrib) December 20, 2022

Bellinger also confirmed the weather difference between Chicago and Los Angeles at the beginning of the season.

Bellinger confirms the weather will be different in Chicago than LA at the beginning of the season. #Cubs
— Cubbies Crib (@CubbiesCrib) December 20, 2022

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson thanks the Atlanta Braves

In a sign that an official announcement of the signing is imminent, new Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson shared a thank you post for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night.

I am forever grateful to the city of Atlanta and the Braves for the last 6+ years of my life. God has blessed my family and I with so much from our time in Atlanta, for which we will never take for granted. pic.twitter.com/fWrU1BlXnu
— Dansby Swanson (@LieutenantDans7) December 21, 2022

Fortunately for the Cubs, Swanson has signed his contract with the team. Otherwise, the breaking news overnight of the New York Mets poaching Carlos Correa away from the San Francisco Giants may have led to the Giants throwing the bag at Swanson.

Chicago Cubs sign Sergio Alcantara to minor league deal

Utility infielder Sergio Alcantara is back with the Chicago Cubs organization after signing a minor-league deal with the team on Tuesday.

#Cubs have signed INF Sergio Alcántara to a minor league contract.
— MiLB-Transactions (@tombaseball29) December 20, 2022

Brandon Drury signs with the Los Angeles Angels

Utility infielder/outfielder Brandon Drury has signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels worth $17MM.

Utilityman Brandon Drury and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a two-year, $17 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Drury, 30, won the Silver Slugger at the utility position last year and is the third bat the Angels have acquired this winter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2022

The Cubs were never considered to be involved in Drury's market despite the breakout campaign he had with the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres last season. Drury clubbed a career-high 28 home runs last season but it is likely that the Cubs are seeking more offensive consistency than the career .315 wOBA and 93 wRC+ that he carries.

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