Cody Bellinger declining his 2024 mutual option with the Cubs doesn't rule out him playing in Chicago next season.
The Cubs are one of three favorites to sign the NL Silver Slugger-winning utility player in free agency, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants are also in the running for Bellinger, per Nightengale.
Bellinger slashed .307/.356/.525 with 97 RBI and 26 home runs for the Cubs last season, his best totals in every category since his All-Star 2019 campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Now the center fielder and first baseman will be looking to cash in on 2023 with a contract larger than his $12 million Cubs option.