Why Did Cody Bellinger Leave the Cubs
Cody Bellinger left the Chicago Cubs after the team declined his $20 million club option for the 2025 season, making him a free agent. The Cubs cited a combination of defensive inconsistency, declining offensive production, and a desire to pursue younger, cost-controlled talent as key factors in the decision. Bellinger, who had been one of the highest-paid players on the roster, finished the 2024 campaign with a .243 batting average, 14 home runs, and a 67 OPS+ in 118 games, according to data reported by ESPN. The move aligned with the Cubs' broader rebuild strategy under president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and general manager Chris Getz, who prioritized flexibility and prospect development over retaining high-salary veterans. Bellinger's departure cleared significant salary space and signaled a clear break from the team's previous core, which had been built around his offensive upside during the 2019 and 2023 seasons.
The decision was not entirely unexpected, as Bellinger had struggled to regain his 2019 MVP form following a series of injuries and mechanical adjustments. His defensive metrics, particularly in left field, had drawn consistent criticism, with defensive runs saved and Outs Above Replacement numbers trending negative in recent seasons. The Cubs front office, under pressure from ownership to modernize the roster, weighed Bellinger's remaining upside against the cost of a guaranteed $20 million commitment for one more year. Reports indicated that the team explored internal alternatives and younger outfield options before ultimately declining the option. Bellinger's exit marked the end of a high-profile tenure that began with his trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2021, and it opened the door for the Cubs to reshape their outfield and infield mix for the next competitive window.
Cody Bellinger Contract and Financial Details
Bellinger's contract with the Cubs included a one-year, $20 million club option for 2025, which the team formally declined on November 3, 2024, per standard MLB transaction reporting timelines. The option decline triggered a $500,000 mutual option buyout clause, though the exact financial settlement was not disclosed publicly. At the time of the decision, Bellinger was slated to earn a base salary of approximately $19.5 million, making him one of the top-20 highest-paid players in Major League Baseball for the 2025 cycle, as tracked by Spotrac and MLB Trade Rumors. The Cubs absorbed no remaining guaranteed money beyond the buyout, which kept the move financially neutral in the short term. The decision allowed Chicago to redirect resources toward minor league development and potential free-agent signings at lower cost tiers.
Prior to the option decline, Bellinger had been under contract with the Cubs for two seasons after signing a one-year, $17.5 million deal in December 2022. His 2023 campaign, in which he hit 27 home runs and posted a 130 OPS+, had initially justified the investment, but injuries and regression in 2024 eroded the value proposition. The Cubs' choice to decline the option aligned with a broader trend in MLB where teams increasingly prioritize flexibility over long-term commitments to players in their early 30s with injury histories. Bellinger's financial profile now positions him as a potential short-term, incentive-laden signing for a contender seeking power and left-handed depth, and his market value will be shaped by his remaining defensive versatility and recent performance trends.
Cody Bellinger Current Team Status and Career Timeline
As of the latest available reporting, Cody Bellinger remains a free agent and has not yet signed with a new team for the upcoming season. His last MLB appearance came on September