Cubs "aggressively" looking to offload $27.5 million/year-contract of outfielder: Reports
After infielder Cody Bellinger declined to opt out of his contract with the Chicago Cubs for next season, the club has reportedly been trying to offload him since the GM meetings.
The 29-year-old signed a three-year, $80 million, contract with the Cubs where he's getting paid $27.5 million every season. MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that while Bellinger has chosen to return to Chicago next year, their front office has been aggressively looking to offload him:
“The worst-kept secret at the GM meetings was the Cubs offering Bellinger to anyone and everyone,” reports Nightengale.
Cody Bellinger was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2013 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2017, winning the Rookie of the Year award. He won the NL MVP award in 2019 and lifted the World Series in 2020. However, his career slumped due to injuries before he was non-tendered after the 2022 season.
Bellinger had signed a one-year contract with the Cubs ahead of 2023, resuscitating his career and earning a three-year contract at the end of the season. After a decent season in 2024, where he recorded a .266 average with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs, he declined his opt-out to return to the club next year.
However, the Chicago front office is reportedly trying to offload his contract ahead of the next MLB season.
Dodgers analyst skeptical about potential Cody Bellinger reunion as Cubs look to offload outfielder
After an impressive start to his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, LA fans remember Cody Bellinger's first years with the team fondly.
However, Alanna Rizzo, the host of Dodgers Territory podcast, says that he's not the the same player he once was and won't be able to recreate his previous performances:
"I don't think you can create the magic that was that 2017 through 2020 team."
Having lost Teoscar Hernandez to free agency and unlikely to land Juan Soto, the Dodgers could soon be in the market for a right fielder. If they don't re-sign Hernandez, Bellinger could be a viable option, as the Chicago Cubs are looking to offload him, but fans and analysts are unsure if his LA return would be a good idea.