Cody Bellinger Opts in for Another Season with Cubs
Outfielder Decides to Remain with Team
Outfielder Cody Bellinger has decided to remain with the Cubs, opting in for another season, sources confirmed on Saturday.
Financial Implications
The decision wasn’t obvious at the end of the season – the first of a three-year, $80 million deal that includes two opt-outs. By opting in, he’s set to collect a $27.5 million salary in 2025.
Cubs President’s Perspective
“When we signed that deal in late February, we knew that if he had a good year, he would have a lot of options,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at his end-of-season news conference last month. “And he had a good year, and so I think he’ll have options.”
Bellinger’s Decision-Making Process
Bellinger made it clear in late September that he would wait until after the season to mull the decision with his wife and dig into his options with his agent Scott Boras.
Going through free agency last offseason, when he was coming off a 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year performance on a pillow contract with the Cubs, helped Bellinger think through his priorities, he said.
“What matters – definitely have more of an understanding, even this year,” Bellinger said as the season wound down. “Honestly, it’s in the back of my mind, but I truly haven’t really thought about what I want to do until the season’s over and I have time to sit down and really weigh things, and obviously talk with Scott.”
Performance Metrics
This time around, Bellinger’s raw offensive numbers don’t jump off the page the same way they did a year ago. But the 29-year-old still had a case for a lucrative long-term contract. Even Hoyer outlined some potential talking points.
“When you look at the totality of the year he had,” Hoyer said, “he had a roughly .800 OPS on the road; his home OPS was .200 points lower than last year, and that’s kind of how Wrigley played. So I expect him to have a lot of options.”
Smyly Option Declined
The Cubs also declined their end of veteran left-hander Drew Smyly’s $10 million mutual option for 2025, the Sun-Times confirmed. The move was somewhat of a formality. When the two sides agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal after the 2022 season, the mutual option essentially served as a way to defer part of the total sum.
Throwing exclusively out of the bullpen this past season for the first time since 2013, Smyly posted a 3.84 ERA in 50 appearances.
Conclusion
Cody Bellinger has decided to remain with the Cubs, opting in for another season, and will collect a $27.5 million salary in 2025. The decision was not unexpected, given his strong performance this season and the potential for a lucrative long-term contract.
FAQs
Q: Why did Cody Bellinger opt in for another season with the Cubs?
A: Bellinger opted in to remain with the Cubs, citing a strong season and potential for a lucrative long-term contract.
Q: What is Cody Bellinger’s salary for the 2025 season?
A: Bellinger will collect a $27.5 million salary in 2025.
Q: What is the status of Drew Smyly’s contract?
A: The Cubs declined their $10 million mutual option for 2025, and Smyly becomes a free agent.
