Cody Bellinger Exercises 2025 Contract Option With Cubs, Securing Substantial Payday

A Lucrative Deal for Bellinger

Cody Bellinger, the former National League MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has exercised his $18.1 million player option for the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs. This decision secures a substantial payday for the outfielder, who has struggled to replicate his MVP-caliber form since 2019.

Bellinger's option year represents a significant investment for the Cubs, who acquired him in a trade with the Dodgers in December 2022. The move raised eyebrows at the time, given Bellinger's recent performance and hefty salary.

Disappointing Performance and High Salary

Since winning the NL MVP award in 2019, Bellinger's production has declined sharply. In 2023, he batted just .210 with 19 home runs and 65 RBIs in 144 games. His defensive metrics also regressed, leading to questions about his overall value.

Despite his struggles, Bellinger's salary has remained high. He is scheduled to earn $17.5 million in 2024 and $18.1 million in 2025. This has placed pressure on the Cubs to justify his contract, especially in light of his recent performance.

Cubs' Optimism and Future Plans

The Cubs have expressed optimism that Bellinger can rebound to his former level. Manager David Ross has praised Bellinger's work ethic and potential, and the team has invested in him with a new hitting coach and a dedicated focus on improving his defense.

The Cubs' long-term plans for Bellinger remain unclear. If he performs well in 2025, they may consider extending his contract or trading him to another team. However, if he continues to struggle, the Cubs may have to make a difficult decision about his future.

Perspectives on the Deal

Player Agents: Player agents generally support their clients exercising their options, as it guarantees them a large payday. Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, is known for his aggressive negotiating style and his ability to secure lucrative contracts for his clients.

Teams: Teams have a more cautious approach to player options, as they must carefully consider the player's performance and value before committing to a long-term contract. The Cubs' decision to exercise Bellinger's option reflects their belief in his potential.

Fans: Fans are often torn between supporting their team's decisions and wanting to see their favorite players succeed. In Bellinger's case, some fans are excited about the possibility of him regaining his MVP form, while others are skeptical of his recent performance.

Real-Life Examples

Carlos Santana: Another player who recently exercised his player option is Carlos Santana, who opted into his $10.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers for 2024. Santana, like Bellinger, has seen his performance decline in recent years, but the Rangers believe he can still be a valuable asset.

Anthony Rizzo: In contrast, Anthony Rizzo declined his $16.5 million player option with the New York Yankees and is now a free agent. Rizzo, a former MVP candidate, has remained a productive player, but the Yankees chose not to commit to his contract at that price point.

Conclusion

Cody Bellinger's decision to exercise his 2025 contract option with the Chicago Cubs is a complex one with potential ramifications for both the player and the team. While Bellinger has struggled in recent years, the Cubs are hoping that he can regain his MVP form and become a key contributor. However, if he continues to underperform, the Cubs may have to make a difficult decision about his future.

The complexities of player options highlight the challenges that teams and players face in navigating the modern baseball landscape. With salaries rising and player movement increasing, both sides must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of long-term contracts.

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