Clay Bellinger decides to stay with Cubs after all

Cody Bellinger is going back to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to a threeyear, $80 million contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. He can opt out of the deal after each of the first two seasons, said a person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the agreement was pending a physical.

Bellinger was among five significant free agents represented by Scott Boras who went into spring training without agreements. Pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, third baseman Matt Chapman and designated hitter J.D. Martinez remain on the market.

It was a much different experience than last offseason, when Bellinger finalized a one-year, $17.5 million deal in December 2022. He declined his end of a $25 million mutual option for 2024, and also rejected a $20,325,000 qualifying offer from Chicago after a resurgent performance.

Healthy again after years of injuries, Bellinger, 28, regained the form that made him a star at the beginning of his career with the Dodgers. He hit a career-best .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games in 2023, helping power the Cubs into playoff contention before the team faded in September.

Bellinger won a Gold Glove in 2019 for his work in center, and he also plays first base. He likely will be in center on opening day this season.

UMPIRES: Jen Pawol made the leap from the minors to a major league spring training contest Saturday for the Astros-Nationals game in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was the first time since 2007 that a woman umpired a major league spring training game.

MATT YORK/ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Clay Bellinger resurrected his career with the Cubs last year, and after becoming a free agent following the season, he has decided to remain in Chicago. Bellinger agreed to a three-year, $80 million deal.