(670 The Score) Outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger has opted into his contract to return to the Cubs in 2025, according to multiple reports Saturday.
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80-million deal with the Cubs last February that included player options for 2025 and 2026. By exercising his player option, he’ll make $27.5 million in 2025 and bypassed the chance to enter free agency.
Bellinger, 29, is coming off a 2024 season in which he hit .266 with 18 homers, 78 RBIs and a .751 OPS in 130 games. Bellinger was slowed in 2024 by fractured ribs and a fractured finger, a pair of injuries that seemed to sap him of his power.
As the Cubs’ roster currently stands, Bellinger is likely to be the primary right fielder given that Seiya Suzuki is best-suited to be the designated hitter with his defensive liabilities and because Michael Busch proved himself as a solid first baseman in 2024. Of course, if the Cubs were to make a notable move on the trade market in some form, Bellinger’s position and role could change.
In other news Saturday, the Cubs declined their side of a $10-million mutual option on lefty reliever Drew Smyly, making him a free agent. He had a 3.84 ERA in 50 appearances in 2024.