This popped up on the radar a few days ago, but I honestly didn't pay much attention to it because it seemed like a throwaway comment from Jon Heyman. The national MLB insider said the Cubs had checked in on free agent Cody Bellinger and that was the extent of the report, so automatically you're thinking Scott Boras is trying to drum up buzz around Bellinger. I mean, we play this game every offseason in free agency and maybe it is simply negotiating through the media, but all of a sudden a reunion between Bellinger and the Cubs is gaining momentum.
Since the start of free agency the New York Yankees pegged as the favorites to re-sign Bellinger after another rebound season. The Cubs traded Bellinger last offseason in what ultimately turned out to be a salary dump and the outfielder/first baseman responded with a 29 homer season and 125 wRC+ in 152 games. That came after Bellinger had an OK 2024 campaign with the Cubs as the left-handed hitter posted a 108 wRC+ and hit 18 home runs in 130 games.
In recent weeks rumors have been circulating that Bellinger has become the Yankees' top priority in free agency, These aren't the Yankees of old, completely bulldozing the entire league anymore with free agents and despite several top players still available they also seem to be waiting to get Bellinger at their price.
The hesitance to go all-in for Bellinger by the Yankees may have opened the door for Boras to either use other teams as leverage or actually give other teams room to operate on an offer of their own. And that's where the Cubs come into play.
There's no secret that Jed Hoyer will win or lose on free agents without budging on his offer. The Cubs were reportedly the runner-up for Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai after not matching the Houston Astros' deal for the starter. A few years ago the Cubs waited out Bellinger's free agency and signed him to a three-year, $80 million contract that included opt outs after the first and second year. That agreement wasn't reached until the start of spring training games as Boras wasn't able to secure a long-term contract for Bellinger.
Now, Bellinger is once again waiting on a big deal and as we get closer to spring training the Cubs might be in position to sign him again.
Cubs have legitimate interest in Cody Bellinger
What makes this new rumor more newsworthy is where it's coming from. No, not Heyman and this goes beyond Bruce Levine's mention on Thursday morning. The Chicago baseball insider said on 670 The Score that between Bellinger and Tucker, the Cubs actually prefer to bring back Bellinger. That note came after Bleacher Nation's Michael Cerami reported that a source has indicated to him that the Cubs do actually have genuine interest in Bellinger this offseason.
Cerami has become the best source in Chicago media when it comes to actually breaking acquisitions. Whether it's at the trade deadline or free agency, Cerami has established himself as the go-to Cubs guy when it comes to breaking news. He was the first to report the Edward Cabrera trade was close to being finalized on Wednesday and after it was made official Cerami dropped another bomb.
Via Bleacher Nation.
To be honest, I had a hard time believing it myself, but according to a source, the Cubs do have a legitimate interest in re-signing Cody Bellinger this offseason. And, hey, they’ve done it twice before! Perhaps they’ll go for the trifecta this winter.
The Cubs have no excuse not to sign a top hitter this offseason. I know some fans don't really love the fit for Bellinger at this moment, but it's important to look into the future. Whether it's an infielder or outfielder, the Cubs need more talent because after 2026, the only position players you can count on being with the team are Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Matt Shaw and Dansby Swanson.
As for this season, there's pretty much no one saying that Kyle Tucker will return so you have to replace his production. Sure, Moises Ballesteros can put up decent numbers, but it's important to add another quality bat to the lineup and not rely on the rookie to make up for the bulk of Tucker's absence. Whether it's Bellinger, Bo Bichette or Alex Bregman, the Cubs have to sign another position player after trading for Cabrera.
Right now, Bellinger appears to be the new hot name in Cubs' circles.
Hey, finally some excitement and actual players to talk about for the Cubs. That's why the Cabrera trade was so big. It does open up several other opportunities to get better, now it's up to Hoyer to get that extra piece, something he didn't do a year ago.
