2024 MLB odds: Cody Bellinger signing vaults Cubs to top of NL Central

Cody Bellinger’s free agency decision is shaking things up in the National League Central.

The Chicago Cubs solidified themselves as divisional favorites in the eyes of Vegas oddsmakers after re-signing the former NL MVP over the weekend. 

After trailing the St. Louis Cardinals for most of the winter, the Cubbies nudged ahead of their rivals to the south with the signing, becoming a slight +140 favorite to win the division at Caesars Sportsbook. 

The Cardinals, who had been a modest favorite at Caesars before Bellinger’s decision, held steady at +160, despite getting leapfrogged by Chicago. 

The Cincinnati Reds (+400) and Milwaukee Brewers (+850) have the third- and fourth-best odds to win the NL Central while the Pittsburgh Pirates (+1800) are the biggest long shot. 

Bellinger is coming off a bounce-back season that ended with him winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award. 

After hitting .193 from 2021-22, Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers last winter. 

Bellinger signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in December and proceeded to hit .307/.365/.525 with 26 home runs en route to a 10th-place NL MVP finish and Silver Slugger award. 

The two sides agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract — with opt-out possibilities after each of the first two years — to keep Bellinger in Chicago. 

The deal will pay him $30 million, $30 million and $20 million across the trio of seasons, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.

Bellinger is currently +10,000 to win the 2024 NL MVP, which are the 21st-best odds in the Senior Circuit. 

Bringing back the star outfielder caps off what has been a busy offseason for Chicago. 

The Cubs brought in manager Craig Counsell from the Brewers and signed left-handed starting pitcher Shota Imanaga from Japan. 

They are +1600 to win the NL pennant and +2800 to win the World Series.

Chicago finished 83-79 last season, which was good for second behind the 92-70 Brewers in the division.