Cubs News: Cody Bellinger press conference takeaways |
With agent Scott Boras on his left and President of Baseball operations Jed Hoyer on his right, Cody Bellinger was reintroduced to the media as a Cub in Arizona on Wednesday. This, of course, on the heels of Bellinger ending his long free agency by resigning with the Cubs via a three-year, $80 million deal with multiple opt-outs.
The highlight of the press conference included a question asked to Scott Boras about whether any of his remaining clients on the free agent market (Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and JD Martinez) would be coming to the Cubs and if he would be back in Arizona for another press conference. Boras leaned over and delivered a comedic gaze at Hoyer, to which the room was amused. Another pair of anecdotes we learned regarding the deal for Bellinger revolve around Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. Swanson has been outspoken about his hope for the Cubs to “bring back Belli” and his relationship with the Cubs brass - allowing him to speak freely and have a say in some of the Cubs’ front-office moves. The news of Bellinger’s signing broke around 1:30 AM CT, and Swanson said he received a FaceTime from Bellinger around 10:30 PM in the hours before the deal became public. Swanson was already sleeping and declined Bellinger’s call and had to find out via reports the next day like the rest of us. Cody Bellinger FaceTimed Dansby Swanson the night he re-signed with the Cubs & Dansby didn’t answer 😂 However, Jed Hoyer quipped that his phone has been quiet since the deal. That is since Swanson is not blowing it up asking about Bellinger. As for Bellinger, here are our takeaways from his reintroduction. One of Bellinger’s most memorable answers to the media was about his support from teammates, even from afar, during his free agency journey. “It was amazing,” Bellinger said. “The constant support from the teammates. Everyone knew how great of a time I had last year and how just a great clubhouse that we had.”
(📸: @ESPN1000) pic.twitter.com/NAE9LZpHNC
One of the biggest draws to returning to the Cubs for Bellinger was finishing the job. Being in the playoffs for the Cubs is certainly a goal of his.
“We got so close, and for me to come back here with almost the same team – to experience playoffs in Chicago is something that I want to do, and it’s something that I want to experience…It’s a big part of the reason why I did want to come back here. I’m glad it all worked out.”
During the press conference, Bellinger also did not hide his love for the Cubs and Chicago. He made it clear that he wanted to return to Chicago.
“I didn’t hide the fact internally that I did want to come back here,” Bellinger said. “I love Wrigley Field; I love the fans. Me and my family enjoy Chicago.”
Bellinger, also, just like the rest of us — had the itch that only the best sport in the world can scratch.
“I was craving baseball.”
Cody Bellinger wants playoff baseball at Wrigley Field.
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 29, 2024
