Report: Cody Bellinger returning to Cubs in 2025
Sep 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Cody Bellinger (24) flips to first base against the Philadelphia Phillies in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Former National League MVP Cody Bellinger will earn $27.5 million after opting in for the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, per an ESPN report on Saturday.
Bellinger, 29, had an opt-out clause after the 2024 season and could have tested free agency, but he will return for a third season on the north side of Chicago. The Cubs hold a $2.5 million buyout, while Bellinger also has an opt-out after the 2025 season.
An eight-year veteran, Bellinger signed a three-year, $90 million deal with the Cubs before the 2024 season, in which he finished with a .266 batting average, 18 home runs, nine steals and 78 RBIs -- a down year compared to his 2023 numbers (.307, 26, 20, 97).
In 2024, the versatile Bellinger played all three outfield spots and first base.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2017 and NL MVP in 2019, when he also won his only Gold Glove to date and earned one of his two All-Star appearances.
Bellinger, a fourth-round draft pick of the Dodgers in 2013, is a career .259 hitter with 196 home runs and 597 RBIs in 1,005 games with the Dodgers (2017-22) and Cubs (2023-present).
--Field Level Media
Did the World Baseball Classic Hurt MLB Starting Pitchers?
NBA Picks for March 27: Best Bets for Friday Night Slate
Why St. John's Can Cover Sweet 16 Spread Against Duke
- Why St. John's Can Cover Sweet 16 Spread Against Duke
- MLB Best Betting Picks for Friday March 27th Slate
- Three Sweet 16 Teams To Avoid Betting in March Madness This Weekend
- NBA Betting Picks: Best Bets for Thursday’s Slate
- Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers Have the Edge Against Iowa in Sweet 16
- Ranking the Remaining No. 1 Seeds in March Madness Before Sweet 16
- Best NBA Bets Today: Wednesday Predictions and Player Props
