The Chicago Cubs could be looking to trade Cody Bellinger, though there may be a hurdle.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported on Thursday that the Cubs did not expect Bellinger to return to the team for 2025.
Bellinger had a $27.5 million option for 2025 and has a $25 million option for 2026, with a $5 million buyout. That means he is guaranteed $32.5 million. The Cubs apparently figured Bellinger would opt out and become a free agent to sign for more money. Instead, Bellinger exercised his option for 2025.
The Cubs reportedly may look to trade Bellinger, but they know his contract could get in the way. They might have to eat some money to move Bellinger, or include prospects in a potential trade.
Bellinger initially signed a 1-year, $17.5 million “prove-it” contract with the Cubs ahead of the 2023 season. He had a standout season for them and batted .307 with an .881 OPS. That big season helped Bellinger earn a 3-year, $80 million contract extension from Chicago last year.
In 2024, Bellinger batted .266 with a .751 OPS. He had 23 doubles and 18 home runs in 130 games — the same amount he played in the year before.
The Cubs have been active already on the trade market, so don’t be surprised if they end up dealing the 2019 NL MVP this offseason.
