Cody Bellinger's Rumored Cubs Contract Celebrated by Fans with 'We Back Up' Memes

Cody Bellinger is back with the Chicago Cubs, and fan excitement is through the roof.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract Sunday. The deal carries $30 million salaries for 2024 and 2025, along with a $20 million base in 2026. Bellinger will be able to opt out following the 2024 or 2025 season.

Given many expected Bellinger to land a nine-figure contract, the fan enthusiasm was through the roof.

Bellinger hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in last season, re-emerging as one of the best outfielders in the National League. The performance was a complete about-face from the Bellinger who spent three years as one of the worst everyday players in baseball from 2020 to 2022.

Bellinger hit .203/.272/.376 with 41 home runs and 134 runs batted across 295 games during those seasons, a sudden nosedive after he won the 2019 NL MVP.

The Cubs closed the 2023 regular season at 83-79 after a hot end to the campaign, sparked in large part by Bellinger. While the Cubs still have holes in their lineup, Bellinger's return—especially at such a relatively small price—could spark hope of return to the playoffs. Chicago has not made the postseason since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign as the franchise continues to attempt a retool.

While it's unclear whether Bellinger will maintain his performance level from last season, fans seem overjoyed by his return.