Cody Bellinger enjoyed a bounce back season with the Chicago Cubs in 2023. In fact, everything went according to plan for the most part after Bellinger inked a one-year deal with Chicago prior to the '23 campaign.

Bellinger was previously let go by the Los Angeles Dodgers following back-to-back underwhelming seasons. When Bellinger entered free agency last offseason, the plan was to sign a one-year contract, perform well for whichever team he spent 2023 with, and land a lucrative, multi-year deal this offseason.

With the first two steps out of the way, all that is left for Bellinger to do is receive that lucrative deal. Teams are reportedly still hesitant though, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

“One source predicted that Bellinger’s free agency could last ‘a long time' given that the outfielder — who was non-tendered only one year ago — is seeking a contract north of the eight years and $162 million Brandon Nimmo received from the Mets last year,” Feinsand wrote.

Cody Bellinger's free agency questions

Cubs' Cody Bellinger looking serious sitting in an MLB dugout.

The New York Yankees have been mentioned as a potential landing destination for Bellinger. A recent report emerged that some people in the Yankees organization are wary about signing the outfielder though.

The fact of the matter is that this is a player who struggled in 2021 and 2022 while battling injuries. Although it appears he's mostly, if not fully recovered from those injuries, teams are deciding whether or not signing Bellinger to a long-term deal is worth the risk.

There is no denying his upside. Bellinger offers immense power to go along with speed and quality defense. He can also play first base if necessary. Many teams would probably love to sign him in MLB free agency, but a contract north of eight years, if that is indeed what he's seeking, is a major investment.

In the end, Cody Bellinger will receive a large contract at some point this offseason. The question is if he will receive exactly what he wants. Bellinger's market may begin to heat up after Shohei Ohtani makes his free agency decision.