Bellinger exercising option, returning to Cubs in 2025 (source)

CHICAGO -- Much of how the Cubs could proceed with their offseason strategy in the coming months hinged on Cody Bellinger's decision to either stay put in Chicago or enter free agency again. Bellinger is not going anywhere.

Bellinger has decided to pick up his player option for 2025, a source told MLB.com on Saturday. The club has not confirmed the decision.

After entering free agency the past two winters, Bellinger elected to remain with a Cubs team that narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023 and then fell short of the group’s October aspirations in '24 under new manager Craig Counsell.

“I definitely see the potential,” Bellinger said at the end of the season. “I see the potential in this clubhouse and with Counsell, and the coaching staff and the talent we have. And I think the understanding of what it takes to win is definitely there.”

Bellinger is staying in the fold for $27.5 million next season, when the Cubs hope to end their four-year playoff drought. In order to achieve that goal, one task for Chicago’s front office this offseason is to improve an offense that went dark across May and June last season, hindering the Cubs’ ability to stay in the postseason chase.

The Cubs may need to get creative to do so this winter, given the current makeup of the position-player group.

With Bellinger staying put, he would presumably be the top option for right field, alongside center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (coming off a solid rookie year) and veteran left fielder Ian Happ (signed through 2026). Seiya Suzuki (signed through '26) plays right, but found a comfort zone in the designated hitter role last season.

Bellinger can also play first base, but the Cubs found an everyday option there last season in rookie Michael Busch. There is a chance Busch could help at other spots -- he did not play first on a full-time basis until 2024 -- especially given the uncertain status of second baseman Nico Hoerner, who underwent flexor tendon surgery on his right arm last month.

With Dansby Swanson at shortstop and Isaac Paredes at third, the overall offensive group could look similar in 2025. Adding to the catching depth will be on the to-do list, but there is little flexibility elsewhere. That will make examining the trade market a must for president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, if an impact bat beyond Bellinger is going to join the fold.

ESPN's Jeff Passan first reported the decision for Bellinger, who will have another chance to opt out ahead of the 2026 season. As part of the three-year, $80 million pact he signed with the Cubs last spring, Bellinger can earn $25 million in '26 or receive a $5 million buyout.

Last season, the 29-year-old Bellinger hit .266 with 18 homers, 78 RBIs, a .751 OPS and 111 OPS+ in 130 games, during which he encountered a handful of injury setbacks. He sustained two fractured ribs on a catch attempt on April 23 and later fractured his left middle finger when he was hit by a pitch on July 10. Both injuries hurt Bellinger’s power production.

Looking under the hood, Bellinger also struggled at Wrigley Field, which had one of baseball’s more suppressive environments in 2024, compared to a year earlier. Bellinger hit .282 with a .797 OPS on the road last season, as opposed to hitting just .247 with a .700 OPS at the Friendly Confines.

In his first tour with the Cubs in ‘23, Bellinger hit .307 with 26 homers, 29 doubles, 97 RBIs, 95 runs scored, 20 stolen bases and an .881 OPS. He picked up a Silver Slugger Award and received down-ballot consideration in National League MVP voting. He has hit .286 with an .815 OPS and 125 OPS+ (25% above MLB average) in two seasons with the North Siders.

Combined, Bellinger has 6.6 WAR (Baseball Reference) in his two-year run with the Cubs, following an injury-marred showing across 2020-22 (1.3 WAR total) that led to a parting of ways with the Dodgers. That came after Bellinger was the NL Rookie of the Year (‘17), NL MVP (‘19), a Gold Glove winner (‘19) and a World Series champion (‘20) during a memorable run with Los Angeles.

Cubs part ways with veteran reliever Smyly (sources)
The Cubs are not going to pick up their end of the $10 million mutual option for 2025 in left-hander Drew Smyly’s contract, making the pitcher a free agent this winter, sources told MLB.com. The club has not confirmed.

In his third season with Chicago and 11th big league campaign overall, the 35-year-old Smyly logged a 3.84 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 25 walks in 50 games (58 2/3 innings) in 2024.