CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The MLB hot stove season has been ignited, and the Cubs are already cooking.
According to multiple reports, outfielder Cody Bellinger has decided to opt in to his $27.5 million player option and will return to the North Siders for the 2025 season. He would have become a free agent if he declined the option year.
In his second season with the Cubs, Bellinger battled multiple injuries and slugged for 18 home runs and 78 runs batted, modest offense production compared to his resurgent 2023 season.
The former National League MVP first came to the Cubs from the Los Angeles Dodgers, in December of 2022, inking a one-year deal. He experienced a bounce back season in 2023, becoming the club’s top power hitter.
After once again testing the free agent waters, Cubs re-signed Bellinger late last offseason, agreeing to a three-year $80 million contract, containing two player option years.
It remains to be seen how Bellinger’s decision will affect the Cubs offseason plans, but it’s reasonable to expect him to see plenty of time in right field like he did this past season when he returned from injury in mid-August.
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