In a surprising move that caught many baseball pundits off guard, Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Cody Bellinger has decided to opt into his contract for the 2025 MLB season, according to sources close to the situation. This means the 29-year-old slugger will remain with the North Siders for at least one more year, passing up the opportunity to test the free agent waters this winter.
A Rollercoaster Ride in Chicago
Bellinger originally signed a lucrative three-year, $90 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2023 campaign after spending the first part of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That deal included separate player options after both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, giving the two-time All-Star some flexibility regarding his future.
His tenure in the Windy City has been somewhat of a mixed bag thus far. In his Cubs debut in 2023, Bellinger posted a solid .139 OPS+ while launching 26 home runs and providing stellar defense all over the diamond with his unique blend of versatility. However, he experienced a bit of regression this past season, as his OPS+ dipped to 111 and his homer total fell to just 18.
Adjusting to a New Role
Part of that decline in production can likely be attributed to Bellinger being asked to take on a new role in the second half. The emergence of defensive wizard Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field pushed the veteran into right, with fellow outfielder Seiya Suzuki often occupying the DH spot due to his own defensive shortcomings.
Bellinger’s athleticism allowed him to make a relatively smooth transition, but it may have taken a toll on him offensively. Nonetheless, he still found ways to make an impact, particularly against left-handed pitching. The former MVP hit a robust .298 versus southpaws in 2024 after putting up an eye-popping .337 average in those matchups the previous year.
The Changing Face of Wrigley
Bellinger’s decision to stick around coincides with a transition period on the North Side. Prospects like Crow-Armstrong and first baseman Matt Mervis have begun to establish themselves as core pieces for the future, while Wrigley Field itself seemed to play differently in 2024, heavily favoring pitchers in its first season after undergoing renovations.
It’s a different ballpark, no doubt about it. We’re all still trying to figure out how the ball plays here with the new dimensions and updated features. But hey, that’s part of the challenge, right?
– A Cubs player familiar with the Wrigley Field changes
The organization is undoubtedly hoping a few of their young stars can take significant steps forward in 2025 as they aim to compete in a loaded NL Central. Having a steady, experienced presence like Bellinger’s to help lead the way both on the field and in the clubhouse should only aid in that mission, even if his raw numbers fail to reach the incredible heights he achieved in Dodger Blue.
Betting On Himself
For Bellinger, opting in now provides some security while also giving him another shot at boosting his value before potentially hitting the open market next offseason. He’s set to earn $27.5 million in 2025, and if he can put together a bounce-back campaign in his age-30 season, he may be able to command one last big payday.
Still, nothing is guaranteed in this sport, especially for a player whose performance has fluctuated as much as Bellinger’s in recent years. But if he can recapture some of that old MVP magic and help guide an up-and-coming Cubs squad back to relevance, it will have been a gamble well worth taking.
The Road Ahead
As things currently stand, the Cubs appear poised to run back largely the same group that has hovered around the .500 mark the past couple seasons. Without an influx of talent via trades or free agency, they may need to bank on internal improvements and breakout performances to make a legitimate playoff push.
- Can Crow-Armstrong build upon his promising rookie showing and emerge as a true star in center?
- Will Mervis cement himself as the long-term answer at first base?
- How will the duo of Marcus Stroman and Jameson Taillon fare atop a rotation that has question marks on the back end?
Those are just a few of the storylines that will be worth monitoring on the North Side in 2025. But regardless of how it all plays out, the Cubs can at least take solace in knowing they’ll have Cody Bellinger’s dynamic skill set and veteran leadership at their disposal for the upcoming campaign. In a division as competitive as the NL Central, having a player of his caliber in the mix could wind up making all the difference.
