Chicago Cubs Slugger is a 'No-Doubter' For Qualifying Offer

In a preview of players that could receive the one-year qualifying offer, MLB Trade Rumors declared Chicago Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger as one of three “no-doubters” that would receive the offer.

The other two were Toronto third baseman Matt Chapman and Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

Bellinger is coming off a resurgent season with the Cubs, one that saw him sign a two-year deal with a mutual option after the first year, one that would only pay him $12 million in 2024 and one he will, most likely opt out of so he can test free agency.

In doing so, the Cubs could then make Bellinger a one-year qualifying offer in an effort to receive some draft pick compensation should he decide to sign somewhere else.

The qualifying offer is believed be a little over $20 million this year and can only be used on a player once.

Bellinger’s agent is Scott Boras, one of the best in the game. The belief is that Bellinger could earn a contract that might include $200 million in guaranteed money.

The Cubs haven’t ruled out re-signing Bellinger, but they know there will plenty of competition after his 2023 season.

Bellinger slashed .307/.356/.525/.881 in 130 games with 26 home runs and 97 RBI, despite missing a month with an injury.

Bellinger is the top candidate for the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year as he had two awful seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2021-22, during which he batted below .200. Recently, Boras said that Bellinger was at times playing having not fully healed from injuries.

Last offseason the Dodgers opted not to keep Bellinger, a decision that now seems unwise and will likely allow Bellinger to find a long-term, big-money contract either in Chicago or somewhere else.

But, with the qualifying offer, the Cubs receive some compensation if he walks.