Cody Bellinger exercises 2025 contract option with Cubs

CHICAGO — Much of how the Cubs might execute their offseason strategy in the coming months hinged on Cody Bellinger's decision to either stay in Chicago or enter free agency again. Bellinger isn't going anywhere.

Bellinger has decided to pick up his player option for 2025, a source told MLB.com on Saturday. The club has not confirmed the decision.

After hitting free agency the past two winters, Bellinger chose to stay with a Cubs team that narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023 and then fell short of the October goals in 2024 under new manager Craig Counsell group remained behind.

“I definitely see the potential,” Bellinger said at the end of the season. “I see the potential in this clubhouse and with Counsell, the coaching staff and the talent we have. And I think the understanding of what it takes to win is definitely there.”

Bellinger will stick around for $27.5 million next season as the Cubs hope to end their four-year playoff drought. To achieve that goal, one task for Chicago's front office this offseason is to improve an offense that faltered in May and June of last season and prevented the Cubs from staying in the postseason chase.

Given the current makeup of the position player group, the Cubs may have to get creative to make that happen this winter.

If Bellinger stays put, he would likely be the best option in right field alongside center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (who is coming off a solid rookie year) and veteran left fielder Ian Happ (signed through 2026). Seiya Suzuki (under contract through 26) plays the right way, but found a comfort zone in the designated hitter role last season.

Bellinger can also play first base, but the Cubs found an everyday option there last season in rookie Michael Busch. There's a chance Busch could help elsewhere — he didn't play full-time at first until 2024 — especially given the uncertain status of second baseman Nico Hoerner, who underwent flexor tendon surgery on his right arm last month.

With Dansby Swanson at shortstop and Isaac Paredes at third, the entire offensive group could look similar in 2025. Increasing fishing depth will be on the to-do list, but there is little flexibility elsewhere. Therefore, studying the trade market becomes a must for president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer if an impact bat beyond Bellinger is to be added to the fold.

ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported the decision for Bellinger, who will have another chance to opt out before the 2026 season. Under the three-year, $80 million contract he signed with the Cubs last spring, Bellinger can make $25 million in 2026 or receive a $5 million buyout.

Last season, the 29-year-old Bellinger hit .266 with 18 homers, 78 RBIs, a .751 OPS and 111 OPS+ in 130 games, while suffering a handful of injury setbacks. He suffered two broken ribs while attempting a catch on April 23 and later broke his left middle finger when hit by a pitch on July 10. Both injuries affected Bellinger's power production.

Looking under the hood, Bellinger also struggled at Wrigley Field, which was one of the most oppressive environments in baseball in 2024 compared to last year. Bellinger hit .282 with a .797 OPS on the road last season, while he hit just .247 with a .700 OPS in friendly confines.

In his first tour with the Cubs in 2023, Bellinger posted a .307 batting average with 26 home runs, 29 doubles, 97 RBIs, 95 runs scored, 20 stolen bases and an OPS of .881. He received the Silver Slugger Award and was left out of the National League MVP voting. He hit .286 with an OPS of .815 and an OPS+ of 125 (25% above MLB average) in two seasons with the North Siders.

Overall, Bellinger posted 6.6 WAR (Baseball-Reference) in his two-year run with the Cubs after an injury-depleted performance in the 2020-22 season (1.3 WAR total) that led to a split with the Dodgers . This came after Bellinger was NL Rookie of the Year ('17), NL MVP ('19), Gold Glove winner ('19) and World Series champion ('20) during a memorable run with Los Angeles .

Cubs part ways with veteran backup Smyly (sources)
The Cubs will not exercise their portion of the $10 million 2025 option in left-hander Drew Smyly's contract, making the pitcher a free agent this winter, sources told MLB.com. The club has not confirmed this.

In his third season with Chicago and his 11th big league season overall, the 35-year-old Smyly posted a 3.84 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 25 walks in 50 games (58 2/3 innings) in 2024.