This year’s top-ranked player in the category of free agents, Cody Bellinger, has finally put pen to paper. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, he will return to the Chicago White Sox.
A year ago, after the disappointing 2022 season, Bellinger was not tendered a contract by the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he hit .210 with a .265 on-base percentage. He signed a one-year deal with the White Sox and transformed his career, hitting .307/.356/.525 and winning the Silver Slugger. In November, MLB trade rumors had him pegged as the second-best free agent behind only Shohei Ohtani, estimating he would sign a deal worth $264 million over 12 years.
Ultimately, that prediction missed the mark. It’s possible the suitors had concerns about some aspects of his bat metrics, which showed a decline in power despite his high numbers from the previous season. His exit velocity of 87.9 mph was 1.8 mph lower than his career average, and he ended up in only the 10th percentile in hard-hit rate.
The unique structure of his deal will allow him to test the market again next year—or the year after—if he chooses. According to Passan, he’ll earn $30 million in both 2024 and 2025, then $20 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out after this season or the next. If his previous campaign is any indication, he may once again find himself in free agency. He sacrificed length and stability for a high-value, flexible contract.
Bellinger was one of four big-name free agents still unsigned after the start of spring training, all represented by agent Scott Boras.Accompanying southpaw hurler Jordan Montgomery and the formidable Blake Snell was third baseman Matt Chapman, who found himself in the mix on the market. Bellinger’s decision to opt for a brief yet lucrative contract might just set a precedent for how the remaining trio navigates their negotiations..
Before signing Bellinger, the White Sox had $205 million committed to competitive balance tax purposes. His $26.7 million average annual value will push their payroll to $231.7 million, just shy of the $237 million competitive balance tax threshold. If they exceed that threshold through trades or signings adding $5.3 million or more, they’ll surpass it and become a first-time CBT payer this season.
Bellinger was Chicago’s top player last season, so his return will be welcomed in their lineup. He played 84 games in center field and 59 at first base in 2023, and he should have a similar versatile role this year. When he’s in the outfield, Michael Bush, Christopher Morel, and Patrick Wisdom will handle first, third, and designated hitter, though it’s unclear who will see the most time at each infield corner. When he’s on the bench, Mike Tauchman will man center field.
A complicating factor is that the White Sox have top prospects at positions where Bellinger’s most likely to play next season or beyond. Pete Crow-Armstrong has been rated the 16th overall prospect by MLB Pipeline. He’s a standout defensive center fielder who made his debut at the end of last season. When he’s not in an everyday role, he’ll likely bump Bellinger to first base, as other outfield spots are covered by Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki.
Bush, ranked 51st overall, was acquired in a trade with the Dodgers this offseason. He’s expected to be a productive hitter but lacks real defensive utility. Before signing Bellinger, he was penciled in as the starting first baseman, but now he’s listed as the third baseman on the FanGraphs roster resource.
Owen Casey, a power-hitting corner outfielder, and Matt Shaw, a versatile infielder, both won Double-A titles last season and rank 47th and 54th, respectively, in the MLB Pipeline rankings. They should be ready by the end of this season or the start of 2025, adding further depth to the lineup. Given the club’s abundant hitting talent, they have plenty of ammo to make more pitching acquisitions, especially since the NL Central has become more wide open.
Currently, Bellinger’s return to Chicago gives the White Sox a big opportunity to improve upon their 83-79 record from last season and make a big push in the postseason.
Generally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say
that this write-up very pressured me to take a look
at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed
me. Thanks, very nice article.
I’m not sure why but this blog is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it
a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
My page; http://top.mielecki.mielec.pl
Hello to every one, since I am truly eager of reading this web site’s post to be updated daily.
It consists of nice information.
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest
authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would
love to have you share some stories/information. I know my
audience would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
When someone writes an article he/she keeps the idea of a user in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.
Thus that’s why this article is outstdanding. Thanks!
This post is a testimony to your know-how on the subject.
Extensively appreciated reviewing it!
Also visit my blog; Cheapest SR22 insurance
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with
SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Many thanks!
My web page … Buy Tapentadol Online
People usually forget the relevance of checking out reviews when searching for car insurance in Cicero, Illinois.
Consumer knowledge can easily provide you knowledge right into exactly how an Auto Insurance Cicero firm deals
with claims as well as consumer service.
Just before choosing a supplier for car insurance policy in Cicero, Illinois, put in the time to investigation and
also review testimonials. It is actually an important measure in finding a reputable
and trusted insurer.
Yes! Finally someone writes about http://superpremium2.premium4best.eu/.
Here is my blog post: http://top.mielecki.mielec.pl
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else
experiencing issues with your site. It appears as though some of the written text
on your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to
them as well? This might be a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Thank you https://bookmarkedblog.com/story17159934/emondage-prestige
Unquestionably beliieve tһat wһich you saіd. Yoour fazvorite reason appeared
t᧐ be on the internet tһe simplest tһing to tzke notе of.
I say to you, I ԁefinitely get irked at thе same timе aas other folks consider issues
tһat tһey plainly do not understand aƅout.
You controlled tοo hit the nail upon thhe topp and outlimed οut tһе
еntire tһing without having side effet , pewople could take а signal.
Will ⅼikely be baⅽk too ɡet more. Thanks
Incredible story there. What happened after? Good luck!
First of all I want to say great blog! I had a quick question in which
I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out how
you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.
I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out
how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Cheers!
This paragraph offers clear idea in favor of the new
viewers of blogging, that really how to do running a
blog.
you are really a just right webmaster. The web site
loading pace is amazing. It sort of feels that you’re doing
any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork.
you have performed a magnificent process on this topic!
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the
highest quality blogs on the internet. I most certainly will recommend this blog!
Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform
you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult
time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for
something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Very good post. I will be dealing with many of these
issues as well..
Look at my page: http://top.szczecinski.szczecin.pl
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your website.
It appears as though some of the text on your posts are running off the
screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too?
This might be a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Many thanks
my web site: http://new.radomski.radom.pl
Pretty! This was a really wonderful article. Many thanks
for supplying this info.
my web site; http://new.radomski.radom.pl
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with useful info to work on. You’ve done a formidable activity and our whole group will likely be thankful to you.
My web site … http://new.radomski.radom.pl
A person necеssarily helр to mɑke significɑntly aryicles І wouⅼd state.
Thaat іs thee vvery first time Ι frequented yokur website pagbe
and tto thіs point? I surprised with the anmalysis y᧐u maԁe too create tһis
ρarticular publish extraordinary. Wonderful activity!
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Wonderful, what a website it is! This website provides useful facts
to us, keep it up.
Amazing things here. I’m very satisfied to look your post.
Thank you a lot and I’m taking a look forward to contact you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?
Cum tribute for Anny Sweetfruit Yummi My husband’s partner fucks me while he records, rich cum on my ass.
Fucked with my neighbor Exciting spanking Wonderful horny brunette with a lustful young man Submissive redhead girl fucked
by 3 guys Cerecita Vixen Unfaithful Wife Hot Pleasures Redhead brunette fucked by lustful
young man. My husband surprised me at the hotel having sex with another man. I
couldn’t stop, that cock was delicious. Fiery redhead brunette subdued
by three guys. Exciting moans. My Husband Records while his friends fuck me Fucking a horny redhead brunette Fucking my little redhead whore
Anny touching herself Chinese Anny Anny double penetration video NR246 GG Exclusive Anny
Anal Sex #032 Adorable Anny Aurora gets nailed Pregnant
Anny #05 from MyPreggo.com Anny – Young German fucked Sensual Anny Aurora
gets nailed Anny Aurora Her Heat of Passion My Friends Anny Aurora Secret Anny Max 3on1 Airtight DP (MILF anal)
SZ1265 Anny Aurora, Jessica Ryan Learning To Share
Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.