With Crow-Armstrong waiting in wings, Bellinger takes center stage for Cubs
There are two ways to view the Cubs' center field situation.
First, Cody Bellinger rediscovers the sweet left-handed stroke that powered him to the 2019 National League MVP trophy, his $12 million mutual option for next season gets locked in and everybody's happy.
Second, Bellinger has another dismal season at the plate, the Cubs wind up getting burned on the one-year, $17.5 million deal the outfielder signed in mid-December, and the door is open for Pete Crow-Armstrong in 2024.
Staying more in the now, the obvious hope for the Cubs is Bellinger bounces back big this season.
"I'm right where I want to be," Bellinger told the Chicago Sun-Times after hitting his first home run of the spring last Wednesday in the Cubs' exhibition game against Team Canada. "From the first day to today, there have been improvements. You need at-bats to make the right adjustments, the correct adjustments."
The early spring hitting line - .200/.273/.250 through eight Cactus League games - is not good, but Bellinger has been more concerned with seeing pitches and still has time to practice barreling baseballs.
"The work he's put in during the off-season has translated, even in batting practice, if you're really paying attention," Cubs manager David Ross said. "That flowed rhythm in his swing, it looks like he's on a good path to get ready for the season."
Bellinger has plenty to prove, so motivation shouldn't be an issue.
With a combined .193/.256/.355 hitting line over the past two years, it's not surprising the Dodgers non-tendered their former star at the end of last season.
The slide began after Bellinger dislocated his right shoulder celebrating a home run in the 2020 NL Championship Series.
"There were definitely injuries involved and my body wasn't moving how it was used to," Bellinger said. "I could go on and on but I'm feeling really good and confident and strong."
Bellinger was strong enough to hit 19 home runs for Los Angeles last season, so bringing needed power to the Cubs' lineup is a positive.
If it's another dud year, Crow-Armstrong offers hope for the near future.
Acquired from the Mets in the 2021 Javier Baez trade, Crow-Armstrong is the Cubs' No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipeline ranks the center fielder No. 28 overall.
Last season, the 21-year-old Crow-Armstrong hit a combined .312 with 20 doubles, 10 triples, 16 home runs, 61 RBI and 32 stolen bases 101 games with low Class A Myrtle Beach and high A South Bend.
Not only is he a dynamic offensive weapon, the 6-foot, 190-pound Crow-Armstrong already looks like a future Gold Glove winner.
"There's a lot still left for him to learn and develop in areas, but you feel like there's real talent there," Ross said. "It's fun to watch him play."