While the Chicago Cubs had a disappointing season in 2024, one player who also quietly had a down year was Cody Bellinger. The former NL MVP experienced a significant statistical decline last year, contributing to the Cubs’ struggles. Bellinger recently opted into the second year of his current $80 million deal. Since the 29-year-old picked up his option, he is set to earn $27.5 million, while Chicago planned on him being a free agent. The Cubs have been recently trying to trade him. However, given the money Bellinger is owed, moving him will be hard. The Cubs now have a Cody Bellinger problem.
A Successful 2023 Season
Embed from Getty ImagesCody Bellinger looked more like his pre-injury self in 2023. He had a slash line of .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBI, and a .881 OPS. Bellinger also had the second-highest WAR of his career at 4.4. The former all-star would earn Comeback Player of the Year honors and his second career Silver Slugger Award. He would also garner MVP votes as well. After the season, Bellinger declined his mutual option with Chicago and became a free agent.
The Cubs Got Him Back For A Lot Less Than Expected
Embed from Getty ImagesUpon becoming a free agent, many people expected Bellinger to cash in after a successful season on a one-year contract. However, teams were very hesitant to sign the Comeback Player of the Year Award winner. This was probably due in part to his agent Scott Boras attempting to get teams to pay him more than he was worth. Bellinger was a part of the last off-season’s “Boras Four” group that went unsigned into spring training. On February 27th, Bellinger returned to the Cubs on a three-year $80 million contract with opt-outs after the first and second years. The 29-year-old former all-star signed for less than expected. Last season, he ended up proving the teams that were hesitant to sign him correctly
Bellinger Was A Disappointment
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite high expectations, the 2024 season was a major letdown for the Chicago Cubs. Chicago finished in third place with an 83-79 record and missed the postseason for the fourth season in a row. Cody Bellinger also had a disappointing year that didn’t receive enough attention. In 2024, Bellinger experienced a major statistical drop. The 29-year-old had a slash line of .266/.325/.426 with just 18 homers, 78 RBI, and a .751 OPS. The former MVP also compiled a WAR of just 2.2, the third lowest of his career.
The Cubs Made A Bad Deal In Hindsight
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter the disappointing season concluded, the Cubs were hoping and expecting that Bellinger would opt out. However, he decided to pick up his player option which will net him $27.5 million. Given his 2024 season output, this contract is a bad deal for the Cubs in hindsight. The North Siders are paying a lot of money to a player who only produced a 2.2 WAR. Jed Hoyer is seething about owing him all that money and is currently determined to find a trading partner. While not impossible, trading Cody Bellinger is going to be difficult.
Trading Bellinger Will Be Difficult
Embed from Getty ImagesIf the Cubs were to trade him, they’d only get a minimal return given the amount of money left on Bellinger’s contract. Not only is Bellinger owed $27.5 million for this season, but he could make another $25 million next year if he opts in again. However, even if he declines his second player option, he will still make $5 million in the buyout. Bellinger would still make a hefty $32.5 million going out the door. Bellinger has had a 2.2 or less WAR in four of the last seasons; no team is interested in paying all that money to that kind of player.
While trading Cody Bellinger can be done, Chicago wouldn’t get a great return. All the Cubs can do in this deal is take on another bloated contract or accept a lower prospect. Accepting a lesser return for Bellinger, who appeared in 130 games, and batted no lower than fourth is embarrassing. It almost seems like the franchise is just desperate to be rid of Bellinger as they were with Milton Bradley. Shopping Bellinger also confirms that the team really is cheap rather than counting on a rebound year.
Jed Hoyer Has Nobody To Blame But Himself
Embed from Getty ImagesGiven that Cody Bellinger’s skills are seemingly declining this puts the Cubs in a difficult spot. Baseball Operations Head Jed Hoyer has nobody to blame but himself for this problem. While potentially having to pay over $30 million isn’t ideal, there aren’t much better options. The Cubs have very little leverage right now. With how difficult it is to trade him and the potential return being only marginal, Chicago might as well pray that he bounces back in 2025.
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