Cubs former MVP 'fully expected' to return on $27.5 million option, per insider

Not much has gone the way the Chicago Cubs hoped it would in 2024.

Though there are still two weeks to play in the season, the Cubs aren't playing for much. With a 5 1/2-game deficit behind both the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card hunt, it would take the miracle of the century for Chicago to make the dance.

The disappointment extends to the individual level as well. Many of the Cubs' players haven't had the standout seasons they expected in 2024, and one of those players had major financial implications attached to his performance.

Outfielder Cody Bellinger, who signed a three-year, $80 million contract with Chicago that contained player options for both years two and three, didn't quite return to the All-Star form he found in 2023. And it appears that will be reason enough for him to return to Wrigley Field for another season.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Bellinger appears to be trending towards returning to Chicago for the 2025 season.

"Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, who’s in the first year of a three-year, $80 million contract, is fully expected to remain with the Cubs instead of opting out of his contract. He’ll be paid $27.5 million next year," Nightengale said.

It hasn't been the 2024 season Bellinger likely wanted, but that was also the point of structuring his contract the way he and agent Scott Boras did. When Bellinger wasn't able to land the long-term deal he originally sought, safeguards had to be added.

Now, Bellinger can play another season in Chicago on a more-than-fair $27.5 million salary and try to earn the long-term contract he feels he's worth.

It's not as though Bellinger has been bad in 2024, either. He ended play Sunday with a .763 OPS, which is about 15% better than MLB average this season. While he may not be playing well enough to cash in now, this season shouldn't hurt him in negotiations the next time around.

Most importantly, Bellinger and the Cubs can focus on what matters most in their third season together: making the playoffs. If they do that, and Bellinger is a key part of their success, everyone involved will be much happier by the end of 2025.

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