For teams trying to secure a place in the playoffs, September is everything. The great Sarah Langs did all the heavy lifting exploring the likelihood of who makes the postseason based on where they stand at the beginning of September.

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Last offseason the Dodgers decided not to pick up Cody Bellinger’s contract and the Cubs swooped in and signed him to a $17.5 million contract. The Cubs took a chance and got their money’s worth already. Bellinger took a chance on himself and he’s sure to cash in when he hits the free agent market after the season. Since he’s a Scott Boras client, the likelihood he’ll sign an extension with the Cubs before the season ends is highly unlikely. Ergo, he’s going to make himself some nice spending money.

Unless he goes on an historic run this September, his overall numbers will pale in comparison to a handful of other players. I’d argue that Cody has a better chance for NL MVP because of what he matters to the Cubs. One thing the NFL gets right is their awards. They have an MVP as well as Offensive Player of the Year. NFL voters are able to differentiate between the two.

I’m not sure if Bellinger’s payday will increase if he has a spectacular September. Last year’s AL MVP, Aaron Judge, had that kind of September-he had 17 homers, 30 RBI and a slash of.417/.565/.869. That he hit an AL best 62 homers had more to do with his big payday than the fact the Yankees got slammed by the Astros in the playoffs.

In 45 games post all star game, Bellinger has a .341/.372/.602 slash and 12 homers and 51 RBI, but more importantly, the Cubs are winning games in bunches.

When you are looking over a free agent class, what’s more important hollow numbers or contributing to a winning organization? I think the Cubs believe they have the inside track on re-signing Bellinger, but we’ll have to wait and see what’s most important to him.

If Shohei Ohtani re-ups with the Angels sooner than later, that will impact the number of suitors pursuing Bellinger. Fans of the teams pursuing both players will have a long offseason.

Even if a postseason appearance means Bellinger prices him out of the Cubs price range, I’d like to see them in the playoffs.