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Cody Bellinger's return changes the tune of the Chicago Cubs' off-season

The Chicago Cubs checked all the boxes they needed to this offseason. It wasn't as flashy as other teams, but the additions they made will get the job done in 2024 and beyond.

By Rich Eberwein |
Chicago Cubs Introduce Craig Counsell as Manager
Chicago Cubs Introduce Craig Counsell as Manager / Matt Dirksen/GettyImages
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Cody Bellinger has officially returned to the Chicago Cubs on a three-year deal, which is likely the final move in what turned into a very solid offseason for the Cubs front office.

After the news broke, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson sang the praises of the front office led by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and General Manager Carter Hawkins.

Rightfully so, because contrary to what some people on the internet may have to say, the Cubs made moves this offseason that could set them up to win for years to come. And that began with the first move of the winter, which was snagging possibly the best manager in baseball away from the division rival and 2023 NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers.

Craig Counsell may transform the Cubs

The Cubs had a solid squad in 2023 that was on the cusp of making the playoffs. Although the team relied on a lot of young/inexperienced players - especially on the pitching side - there was clearly a winning culture in the clubhouse supported by veterans like Swanson, Bellinger, and Yan Gomes. But they didn't have enough to put them over the edge and make it into October and one could argue that certain decisions by former manager David Ross hurt the team in some areas.

There was clearly a lack of faith on Ross's part in Christopher Morel's ability to field at third base, which resulted in the 23-year-old becoming the team's primary designated hitter.
The trust Ross lacked in Morel and other young players like Alexander Canario was given to struggling veterans like Trey Mancini, Tucker Barnhart, and Eric Hosmer on more occasions than I'd like to remember.

But we're already seeing a stark difference in the approach to handling Morel as new manager Craig Counsell said he plans primarily to work him at third base this Spring. And this is just the tip of the iceberg because, during his nine-year tenure with the Brewers, Counsell proved over and over again that he could get results out of rosters that looked inferior on paper. With the Cubs already so close last year combined with Counsell's experience and willingness to think outside the box added to the mix, it feels like this team is ready to go beyond expectations.

Cody Bellinger is the core of the Cubs lineup

Bellinger's return seemed inevitable from the day the offseason ended. It was only fitting he returned to the team where he resurrected his MVP-caliber production and both parties finally came to an agreement this weekend. An agreement that looks good for both sides as the Cubs avoided committing hundreds of millions in a long-term deal while Bellinger is still earning $30 million a year with the ability to opt-out and seek a larger pay-day should he perform well.

This should yield short-term success for the Cubs because the team excelled when he was in the lineup last year. Over the month that Bellinger missed due to a hip injury, the Cubs saw themselves lose 15 contests and dip to a season-low ten games below .500. Even missing that month, Bellinger still led the team in several offensive categories like batting average (.307), home runs (26), RBI's (97) and OPS (.881).

Had he played a full season and avoided injury, it's likely Bellinger would have exceeded 30 home runs and 110 RBI, making him the most valuable hitter on the team by far. With Bellinger back in the mix, he will likely be the starting center fielder on opening day and bat somewhere in the middle of the lineup to maximize the power and run-driving-in ability from his left-handed swing.

Possible Cubs opening day lineup:

Hoerner 2B

Happ LF

Swanson SS

Bellinger CF

Suzuki RF

Morel 3B

Busch 1B

Gomes/Amaya C

Canario DH

Michael Busch could finally solve the first base problem

The other main addition on the offensive side of the ball was the Michael Busch trade. Although the Cubs had to give up a top-tier pitching prospect in Jackson Ferris, there is a general assumption that Busch will be the opening day first baseman. This gives the Cubs a clear option for the position for the first time since Anthony Rizzo was traded in 2021.

Busch is still only 26 years old, a top 50 prospect according to some publications, and a legitimate 25+ home run threat. The only thing Busch hasn't been given is consistent playing time since he found himself in a stacked Los Angeles Dodgers organization when he was ready for the majors.

Busch's presence could finally end the at-times comical revolving door of first baseman over the last few seasons. Which included Frank Schwindel, Patrick Wisdom, Trey Mancini, Matt Mervis, and Jared Young.

The Pitching additions were pretty spot-on

After Marcus Stroman surprisingly opted out of his contract, the Cubs were completely fine with him hitting the road thanks to their deep pool of starting pitching depth. But the Cubs would have found themselves leaning heavily on young and unproven arms if they didn't sign another starter, so they went out and got 30-year-old Shota Imanaga who has the potential to be a serious strikeout threat. Interestingly, Imanaga reportedly left much more money on the table to sign with the Cubs which means he really wanted to come to Chicago.

As for the bullpen, the Cubs will have a lot of young arms competing for jobs but they shored up the veteran end by landing former Astros set-up man Hector Neris. Over 68.1 innings pitched last season, Neris turned in an impressive 1.71 ERA. If he can put up numbers anything close to that, Neris will be exactly what the Cubs need to complement Julian Merryweather, Mark Leiter Jr., and closer Adbert Alzolay.

Not to mention the team acquired Yency Almonte in the Busch trade. Almonte admittedly had a horrible year in 2023 but he has flashes of greatness throughout his career.

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