Part 5/9:
One of the most debated points regarding Bellinger's trade is the contract he signed just a year prior. Critics argue that Cubs management, under Jed Hoyer, may have mismanaged the signing by investing heavily in a player whose future was anything but guaranteed. The once high expectations for Bellinger seemed to have fallen flat as the team deemed his contract unworthy.
The perspective shared by analysts pointed out the unpredictable nature of Bellinger, with comparisons drawn to his past performances and declining metrics. Many believed his signing could have been a short-sighted decision based on an optimistic, albeit flawed, view of his potential contributions over a long term.