Opinion: Cody Bellinger Fatigue is Starting to Set in

But the Cubs do need to do something.

Matt ChapmanPhoto byCreative Commons: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA

Another day, another lack of a signing of the Boras Four. And to some degree, I find myself caring less about the Cubs resigning Cody Bellinger. I still think Bellinger would be the best fit for the Cubs right now, but I wouldn’t be that upset if the Cubs searched elsewhere for help.

Last season Bellinger filled in at first base as well as center field. The Cubs have answers at both positions if Bellinger doesn’t return. Michael Busch seems poised to man first base for the Cubs, while Pete Crow-Armstong figures to be the long-term solution for the Cubs in center field regardless of Bellinger signs with the Cubs or not.

While Bellinger played a great center field, PCA is at least as good, if not better defensively. While Michael Busch isn’t a great glove guy at first, he may actually be better offensively than Bellinger.

And some metrics point to a regression on Bellinger’s offense.

Matt Chapman would fill a bigger immediate void

The Cubs have an issue at third base. Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni really aren’t the answer. Plus, the Cubs have no immediate answer on the farm. Christopher Morel has been floated as an answer to the problem, but don’t count on it.

Signing Chapman to a 3–4-year contract at $22 million a year could buy the Cubs some time while not being a financial millstone around the team’s neck.

Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell would also be useful

Any team could use more quality starting pitching. As the Cubs are currently constructed, the team needs more offense. However, run prevention could help offset the lack of offense. Signing either Montgomery or Snell could be helpful. Personally, of the two, I prefer Montgomery.

Of the Boras Four, if Bellinger doesn’t come to the Cubs, look for the Cubs to sign Matt Chapman.