Cubs Eyeing Trade for Cody Bellinger Amidst Pitching Pursuit

Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger has exercised his player option for the 2025 season, but his future with the team remains uncertain. According to reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, rival executives indicate that the Cubs are actively looking to trade the 29-year-old.

Bellinger's contract, which includes $27.5 million for 2025 and a potential $25 million for 2026, could limit the Cubs' return in a trade. However, if the Cubs are motivated to move him, they should be able to find a suitor.

Despite a regression in production in 2024, Bellinger still posted a solid 111 OPS+ and has proven capable of handling center field, a weak position in this year's free-agent market. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman mentioned the New York Yankees as a potential fit for Bellinger if they fail to re-sign Juan Soto. Bellinger could also be a backup option for other teams involved in the Soto sweepstakes2.

Trading Bellinger would provide the Cubs with more payroll flexibility to address their top priority this offseason: pitching. While the Cubs have shown interest in adding a starter, conflicting reports have emerged about which arms they might target. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman mentioned the Cubs among the teams in the mix to sign one of the three aces available via free agency: Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. However, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma reports that the Cubs have ruled out that tier of free-agent hurlers and could also stay away from other pitchers who declined a qualifying offer, including Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Nick Pivetta.

Sharma suggests a few possible options for the Cubs, including Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Flaherty.