The question of whether free agent Cody Bellinger will return to the Cubs after an outstanding season has hung over the Cubs camp this spring. The center fielder's return to the club has been welcomed by Chicago with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Bellinger and the Cubs were able to negotiate a compromise and sign a three-year, $80 million contract that allows for opt-outs following the first two seasons of the agreement.

Bellinger's return to the Cubs always seemed like the ideal thing for him, especially since his free agency continued and other suitors were focusing on other options.

For the Cubs, who need a player at both first base and center field, Bellinger offers the defensive versatility to play both positions. This summer, the team also made a trade to acquire prospect Michael Busch, ranked No. 51, as a first base possibility. 

It is reported that Bellinger's salary is expected to be $30 million in 2024, $30 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026 (assuming he doesn't opt out after both seasons).

Bellinger's deal would be the Cubs' third major offseason acquisition following the signing of pitchers Héctor Neris (one year, $9 million) and Shota Imanaga (four years, $53 million) to strengthen the pitching staff. The decision to keep Bellinger on the team preserves an offensive backbone that helped the Cubs finish third in the National League in runs (819) last season, in addition to getting Busch in a deal with the Dodgers to address first base.

Returning to the Cubs allows Bellinger to reclaim his position as one of the best players in the league. Leading the Cubs in scoring last season with 26 home runs, 29 doubles, 20 stolen bases, and 97 RBIs while hitting .307/.356/.525. From July to the end of the season, he led MLB with 75 RBIs, was named the NL's Player of the Month (with a .400 average), and finished with a .984 OPS versus lefties. 

Alongside the four Major League players who hit at least .300 last season with 25 or more home runs and 20 or more steals, Bellinger was among only three others, including Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuña Jr., and American League MVP Shohei Ohtani.

Chicago and Bellinger are certainly a good match and it will be interesting to see how the team performs this season.