Bellinger back with Cubs, and so is Tauchman
The deal that always made sense finally got done in late February.
Cody Bellinger is back with the Cubs, possibly for three years, perhaps for one or two.
After failing to secure the longer term contract he was initially seeking on the free-agent market, Bellinger is returning to the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million deal. The center fielder can opt out at the end of this season or the end of next season.
For now, Bellinger's motivated to have another standout year with the Cubs and possibly hunt for another contract next winter.
“I didn't hide the fact, internally, that I did want to come back here,” Bellinger told reporters. “I love Wrigley Field. I love the fans. When it was coming toward the end, this was definitely something that I wanted.”
Bouncing back from three straight subpar seasons with the Dodgers that were marred by right shoulder surgery and other health issues, Bellinger hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI in his first year with the Cubs.
“He fits our team in so many different areas,” shortstop Dansby Swanson said. “He can close so many different holes, whether it’s defensively or offensively.”
Best known for his dangerous left-handed bat, the 28-year-old Bellinger is also a skilled, versatile defender.
Last season, Bellinger played 84 games in center field and 59 at first base.
It's looking like Bellinger will again get most of his playing time in center under new manager Craig Counsell. If newcomer Michael Busch struggles at first base, Bellinger can slide over and take his spot.
When Bellinger isn't playing center field, Mike Tauchman is likely to be in the Cubs' lineup. Early last week, Counsell let Tauchman know he has a place on the Cubs' 26-man roster.
“Clarity is always a good thing,” said Tauchman, a Fremd High School graduate.
After playing parts of five seasons with the Rockies, Yankees and Giants and spending a year in Korea, Tauchman signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs in January of 2023.
The 33-year-old outfielder played 24 games at Class AAA Iowa before the Cubs purchased his contract on May 19.
Tauchman made the most of the opportunity, hitting .252/.363/.377 and establishing career highs in home runs (8), RBI (48) and games played (108).
Pete Crow-Armstrong was pushing for a roster spot before Bellinger returned. The 21-year-old prospect was optioned to Iowa late last week.
“Our thought right now is that the best place for PCA to start is in the minor leagues,” Counsell said. “Start his season that way and then kind of just knock down the door for us and make us kind of figure something out on the major-league side.”