I wouldn't say PCA is a lock to make the big club opening day. Kids need ABs.
***Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter BigJCy
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PCA will likely be in DM to start the year. As Counsel said the other day he would actually be a college senior this year. Still a young guy.
PCA only makes the roster if Belli has to play 1st base. PCA will start the season in Iowa because him sitting on the bench is Ross like dumb.
$30M is a lot. But I feel the contract is Cub friendly if Bellinger is a bust. The Cubs are only on the hook for $30M for 2 years.
I look at it this way. The Cubs got $30M out of Bellinger in 2023 season when he hit .307, 26HR and 97 RBI. If he has a down 2024 or 2025, that's in line with his 2023 salary of $17.5M.
Wrong, he had a 12.5 mil contract with a 25 mil mutual option for 2024 or a 5 mil buyout so he got paid 17.5 mil for 2023.
I'm fine with this 3 year deal as it gives the Cubs some risk management. It wasn't long ago some here wanted to sign him to a 5-7 year deal which reeked of another Jason Heyward mistake. If he has another good year I'm fine if he opts out as they should have a better idea of what they have in house at CF and 1B after this year.
Last night I watched the 2016 game 7 special MLB Network did and thought it was well done. It's crazy how Joe Maddon is not talked about more for pulling off one of the biggest win in baseball history. That was an epic game and was interesting to hear from him and Francona on how/why they made the decisions within the game.
Cubs lose two straight and outscored 13-0. Hopefully, they get better players in 2025.
Not that it matters, but Bellinger's first contract was a 2 year, $35 MM deal with the Cubs last offseason. He would've made $12.5 MM in 2023 and $22.5 MM in 2024. If he turned down his $22.5 MM in 2024 (which he did and was widely expected) he would receive $5.5 MM from the Cubs in 2024.
Cody Bellinger will be making $35.5 MM off the Cubs this year. $30 MM from the current contract, $5.5 MM from the buyout of the last contract.
His new contract makes him the 19th highest paid player in the MLB. Add in his old contract buyout, and the Cubs are making him the 9th highest paid player in 2024.
Cody Bellinger will be making $35.5 MM off the Cubs this year. $30 MM from the current contract, $5.5 MM from the buyout of the last contract.
His new contract makes him the 19th highest paid player in the MLB. Add in his old contract buyout, and the Cubs are making him the 9th highest paid player in 2024.
More pressing issue for me - surely Bellinger will be announced by tomorrow, right? What’s the corresponding move? Can we get a trade?
Wanted to post about 1B simply because it really became congested.
Starting with the left side.
Busch is the obvious frontrunner and will be there until he shows he can't.
2nd option Dominic Smith. Minor league deal likely with an opt out.
3rd is Mervis but unless he's killing AAA. This would likely default to Bellinger. The reason I don't list him higher is because I think if/when PCA is ready Bellinger shifts to Right and Suzuki would mostly DH.
Then right side is currently Wisdom but with the signing of Garrett Cooper PW may be on the trade block.
2nd option is Canario (sort of) Bellinger at 1st Canario in Center.
Long-term this will hopefully eventually be McGeary who will likely start the season at AA only due to the log jam in Iowa.
Starting with the left side.
Busch is the obvious frontrunner and will be there until he shows he can't.
2nd option Dominic Smith. Minor league deal likely with an opt out.
3rd is Mervis but unless he's killing AAA. This would likely default to Bellinger. The reason I don't list him higher is because I think if/when PCA is ready Bellinger shifts to Right and Suzuki would mostly DH.
Then right side is currently Wisdom but with the signing of Garrett Cooper PW may be on the trade block.
2nd option is Canario (sort of) Bellinger at 1st Canario in Center.
Long-term this will hopefully eventually be McGeary who will likely start the season at AA only due to the log jam in Iowa.
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Part of me thinks there are going to be some teams upset they didn't try and get Davis when his value was low.
Cubs knew his upside was so much more than current value. He's definitely going to push Canario for that extra OF spot. Healthy he can play all three spots. Minimum he's 4th OF. Could do some platooning as well. When he was standing on 1st I'd forgotten how big he is.
Iowa starting OF Davis, PCA and Canario, wow. That’s incredible.
Plus Caissie and Alcantara in AA only because they need to play everyday. But I'm guessing Davis or Canario start the season in Chicago.
I’d like to see them trade some combo of Mervis, Davis and/or Wesnecki, Killian for an established veteran late inning reliever. Surely there are a couple of teams out there that would be willing to bite on the past prospect bona fides of those four.
