Cubs $80 million star linked to Blue Jays with free agency coming

One Chicago Cubs star has a tough decision to make.

Chicago star slugger Cody Bellinger has the option to opt out of his three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs. Bellinger will get paid $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026 if he decides not to opt out. He will have the same decision to make next offseason as well.

Bellinger had a better year in 2023 than in 2024, so some have speculated that he could opt into the deal for the 2025 season and then possibly opt out next year. Some have wondered if he will just opt out now with the hope of long-term security on a big deal.

We will find out his decision shortly after the World Series ends, but FanSided's Zach Pressnell suggested the Toronto Blue Jays could be a fit if he does decide to opt out of his deal this offseason.

"With the Blue Jays looking for an outfield bat, there are few better options than the Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, that also has the ability to consistently play first base," Pressnell said. "Something like this would allow the Blue Jays to mix and match Bellinger in the outfield, at first and at DH. It would give Vlad Guerrero Jr. the ability to play both first and third while also DHing occasionally. Having an added player like Bellinger that brings such a versatile presence on defense...

"This offseason, the market should heat up for Bellinger, with more teams being interested in bringing him in for the 2025 season. The Blue Jays should be one of the teams that try to bring him in."

Bellinger has been great for the Cubs, and it would be good for Chicago if he decides to stick around. Hopefully, that ends up being the case.

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