In a move few saw coming, Cody Bellinger has opted into the remaining two years of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, a decision that raised eyebrows across the baseball world. The deal, worth $27.5 million for 2025 and $52 million total over the next two years, appears conservative for a player once heralded as one of the game’s brightest stars. But for Bellinger, the decision might reflect a calculated play for stability after a subpar 2024 season.
A Safe Financial Play for a Former MVP
Bellinger’s trajectory in MLB has been a tale of highs and lows. Once the NL MVP in 2019, his production at the plate has fallen off considerably. While his glove and versatility remain assets, his 2024 campaign was well below his prime years, leaving the 28-year-old’s future as a superstar in question. For a Scott Boras client—renowned for squeezing every last dollar out of free agency—Bellinger’s choice to stay put feels uncharacteristically cautious.
With a manageable $52 million guaranteed, Bellinger may be hedging against his recent decline, ensuring a financial safety net while he works to regain his All-Star form. However, this decision also positions him as a potential trade chip, which could dramatically alter his long-term trajectory in Chicago.
Trade Rumors Swirl: Yankees Poised as Top Suitors
The ink on Bellinger’s opt-in isn’t even dry, yet the rumor mill is already churning. According to Fansided, the New York Yankees are emerging as a potential landing spot for the versatile outfielder. With glaring needs in both the outfield and at first base, Bellinger’s solid, if unspectacular, bat and dependable glove make him an attractive target for a Yankees team eager to bolster its roster.
Bellinger’s manageable contract also makes a deal financially feasible for the Yankees, who have historically been unafraid to pull the trigger on trades for veteran talent. While his current form won’t command top-tier prospects, New York could offer a package of MLB-ready talent that aligns with the Cubs’ rebuilding timeline.
The Cubs’ Perspective: Rebuilding and Flexibility
For the Cubs, retaining Bellinger may be more about leverage than long-term commitment. His current deal keeps their payroll flexibility intact, allowing them to evaluate his performance through 2025. If Bellinger regains even a fraction of his MVP form, his trade value could soar, giving the Cubs a chance to extract maximum value from a contender desperate for playoff-caliber players.
Chicago is also looking to build for the future, and any trade involving Bellinger could accelerate their rebuild by bringing in young talent ready to contribute immediately. With the Yankees circling, the Cubs are in an enviable position to negotiate.
What’s Next for Bellinger?
Bellinger’s decision to stay in Chicago is undoubtedly strategic, but it doesn’t cement his future with the team. His performance in early 2025 will likely dictate whether he remains a cornerstone of the Cubs or becomes a key piece in a midseason trade.
Meanwhile, for the Yankees, Bellinger represents a low-risk, high-upside solution to several positional needs. Whether in pinstripes or Cubbie blue, one thing is clear: Cody Bellinger’s journey through MLB continues to intrigue, and his next chapter may be just as surprising as his decision to stay in Chicago.
