Former MVP looks to regain confidence with Cubs in 2023

Three years ago, new Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger was on top of the baseball world. 

With the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year Award and the 2019 NL Most Valuable Player under his belt by age 23, he looked like he was just getting started in a potential Hall of Fame career, slashing .278/.369/.559 with 111 home runs and 288 RBI in his first three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But baseball is a cruel, unforgiving sport that can turn on you in the blink of an eye.

Over the next three seasons, Bellinger struggled massively at the plate while battling injuries. He never looked comfortable, and it ultimately ended with the Dodgers cutting ties with him this offseason. 

During the 2020-2022 seasons in Dodgers blue, the former MVP slashed .203/.272/.376 with a meager 41 home runs and 134 RBI — far from his production in the first three seasons. 

In December 2022, the Cubs, like many other teams, saw the potential left in Bellinger. They signed him to a one-year deal worth $17.5M guaranteed with a mutual option for 2024. 

The move is low-risk with the Cubs able to end the deal after this season if it doesn't work out. 

With a previous history working with Bellinger in the Dodgers minor league system, Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian that "Cody and I have spoken the same language since day one."

"He's been able to talk his way through his swing," Kelly added. "He understands his body really well and has put a lot of work into it. And I think some of the things he went through the last couple of years have helped with that."