Ranking 8 Cubs pending free agents by likelihood of them re-signing

Ranking Cubs free agents based on likelihood of re-signing: #4 - Cody Bellinger

The man checking in at #4 on this list is the most important one the Cubs could bring back this offseason. His bounceback campaign exceeded any and all expectations around the game and, if not for missing a month early in the summer on the IL, he'd be getting some love as an MVP candidate.

Cody Bellinger has been a revelation for the Cubs in every way: on the bases, in the field (at multiple positions) and at the plate. He's got a shot at 30 doubles, 30 home runs, 20 steals and 100 RBI if he gets hot to close out the season - and even if he misses that mark, his OPS already marks his best single-season clip since he won NL MVP back in 2019.

But the competition for Bellinger is going to be intense. He's very young (doesn't even turn 29 until next July) and is capable of changing the game in ways few others can on a nightly basis. The big question mark, of course, is health - but he seems to have assuaged some of those concerns here in 2023. He needs to be the Cubs' top priority this winter, but they'll have to get uncomfortable if they want to keep him around long-term.