The Chicago Cubs are gearing up to make some bold moves this winter as they look to bolster their chances of reaching the playoffs. After finishing the season with a respectable 83-79 record—especially impressive considering they were well below .500 at one point—the Cubs are optimistic about their playoff prospects for 2025. Given this encouraging outlook, it’s likely they’ll be active in the free agency market.
However, there’s a significant decision looming regarding one of their star players, Cody Bellinger. The superstar slugger has the option to opt out of his contract this winter, and it’s still unclear what he will choose to do. This past season, Bellinger played in 130 games and posted a solid performance with a batting line of .266/.325/.426, along with 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, 23 doubles, and nine stolen bases. While his numbers were slightly lower than in 2023, he still had a commendable season.
Bellinger’s current contract includes an option for 2025 worth $27.5 million, with an additional $25 million salary for 2026 if he opts in. However, opting out might be a smart move for him, especially since Spotrac projects his market value to be around $154 million over the next seven seasons. At just 29 years old and with a history as a former MVP, he may find that he can secure a more lucrative multi-year deal if he tests the free agent waters now.
If Bellinger does decide to opt out, the question remains: will the Cubs be willing to offer him the kind of big contract he would likely command? Given that Chicago has shown a clear interest in keeping him around and that Bellinger seems to enjoy playing for the team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them agree on a significant deal.
As the offseason approaches, there will be some tough choices ahead for the Cubs, but it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Bellinger isn’t part of the team in 2025. Fans can look forward to an exciting winter filled with potential moves that could set the Cubs up for a successful future.
