Cody Bellinger is RETURNING to the Chicago Cubs!

Instant reaction on Cody Bellinger picking up his player option and returning to the Cubs for 2025.
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[@johnlenon8872]

Everyone loved Cody signing. He played 130 games two years ago because of a knee injury, hyper ext problem. But he recovered. Put up numbers and signed a 3-year deal based soley on the fact that he only played in 130 games but good numbers. Last year he played the same number of games, less dingers, less OPS, etc. But he had broken ribs and broken fingers. The quick and fast actions needed to swing a bad are harder with rib fractures and fractured finger. He still had 18 dingers though. So of course he would opt in. Look for him to have a great year and the Cubs will be thrilled to have him as he plays gold glove RF, and first base. PCA will play gold glove in CF but Cody gives you a defender at 3 positions who was an MVP but then had a shoulder injury which took him a long time to recover from. I am happy to have him back but yes, he needs to avoid broken ribs and play 155 games next year. He will have 30 dingers and hit .290 if he plays at least 150 games.

[@dave-pm9bu]

@@johnlenon8872 We can only hope.

[@saisribholanivas5395]

I 😂🎉

[@mango8918]

Happy Birthday, Sam from someone who shares the same birthday. Let me raise a glass to you and hope your day is filled with good times. Seems like the Cubs are filled with nice players and unless a couple of them ratchet their performance up to "above expectations," were going to be looking at another season like '23 and '24. We're definitely not going to see 90 wins.

[@Chip-dg7wy]

We needed his money for pitching and catcher. We also now have a logjam in the OF but with injuries the way they are should be ok. Not good for minor league outfielders though.

[@Hunter-R-Hickey]

Happy Birthday! Sam 🎊

[@jann3443]

Happy Birthday, Sam 🎉

[@gatorbite9816]

Biggest need is bullpen and 1 more solid starter, i firmly believe if the Cubs had a lockdown bullpen we win 95+ last season, the offense was clicking the 2nd half and would of been a dangerous team to deal with

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

cubs need a elite hitter,Offense explosions here and there was flukey that line needs help badly.Bullpen needs two really good arms. but unfortunately neither will happen we Don't have yankees, dodgers ownership the elite owner ho wants to win.

[@gatorbite9816]

@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074 who you replacing that's a detriment to this offense? Nobody is a detriment on offense but our bullpen blew 28 frigging games

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

@@gatorbite9816 you don't get it you need stars in this league we Don't have 1 not 1 guy in that line Teams worry about at all. You put soto in that line up everybody else gets better pitches to hit that whole line up would change. Ricketts knows the fans will be there regradless so it don't matter and cubs will not go to the playoffs again for another season

[@gatorbite9816]

@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074 there were 5 or 6 teams in the playoffs this year that did not have an overpaid "star" in there lineup but did have solid teams with playoff caliber bullpens. Soto/Judge/Stanton/Cole all that money and they LOST. The Yanks started the season 50-30 then played below 500 baseball the remaining 92 games with all those overpaid Stars

[@denisdewolf3236]

Too many 1 run losses. Yeah your right

[@BigLar56321]

Thanks for the emergency pod. I am surprised, not just because of the prior reporting and Jed’s comments suggesting the team would prefer Belli opt out, but because I thought he’d look for a longer term deal now. Maybe they surveyed the market and it just wasn’t there for him. In any case, he is a talented player with the potential to have a great season and I guess we’re back to hoping rather than knowing what to expect.

[@thejazzman210]

Bellinger's no idiot. Hoyer tried the gas him up by saying he had options, but he was smart enough to know there's no other team out there willing to give him more than 27.5 million. If he had opted out of this deal, he wouldn't have gotten signed until near the beginning of spring training by a team like the Pirates at some bargain basement price.

[@beokayian5378]

Now that the OF is full... you have some prospects to trade for VLAD Jr. Add a big bat, starting pitcher and Tanner Scott and ready to go.

[@Patrick-f5j4e]

Happy Birthday Sam, have a great day 🎂🎉🎊🎁

[@michaelbingham6907]

Happy belated, Sam🎉

[@aronscott9698]

Happy Birthday Sam!!! Happy Game 7 Anniversary! 🎉

[@stryperman1]

Happy Birthday Sam!!!!! We share the same birthday

[@richardsass5906]

One major benefit is that he now has a full off season of knowing where he is playing. I wanted him to opt out, but I think he will have a big season in 25

[@dougbaker2755]

Happy Birthday, Sam! Sorry about the Ballenger decision. Unless Jed gets a burr under his saddle, you can kiss the 2025 season! But I guess we can still pray--and hope.

[@gmanpg1]

Sam happy birthday!! Bless you young man

[@victorp2863]

In Major League Baseball (MLB), the first luxury tax threshold refers to the initial payroll limit that teams can spend on player salaries without incurring a luxury tax penalty. The luxury tax (or “competitive balance tax”) is a financial penalty that MLB imposes on teams whose total payroll exceeds certain set thresholds established by the league and the players’ association in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Here’s how it works: 1. Thresholds and Tiers: MLB sets multiple spending thresholds, and the first threshold is the base level. If a team’s total payroll exceeds this first threshold, they start to incur a tax penalty. Higher thresholds follow, with steeper tax rates for teams that continue to spend above these subsequent tiers. 2. Penalties: The penalty for exceeding the first threshold is usually a percentage of the amount that goes over the limit, and it increases if teams exceed the threshold multiple years in a row. For example: • A team exceeding the first threshold for the first time might pay a 20% tax on the overage. • If they exceed it in consecutive years, the tax rate increases (e.g., to 30%, then 50%). 3. Impact: This tax is intended to discourage teams with higher revenues from outspending lower-revenue teams excessively, theoretically promoting a more level playing field. The funds collected from luxury taxes are typically redistributed throughout the league to promote competitive balance. In summary, the first luxury tax threshold is the spending level at which MLB teams begin to incur additional financial penalties on their payrolls, encouraging teams to manage spending or face increasing tax burdens. (Happy birthday, Sam)

[@CubsRedux]

Thank you for this!

[@berniebarron6442]

Happy Birthday Sam🎂🎈

[@born2run995]

Happy Birthday Sam!

[@Aetnaboy73]

Like his opting in is gonna change anything. This organization wouldn't have done crap either way. Hopefully Cody stays healthy and gets back to the player he can be.

[@hiramnoone]

No surprise. Opting in was his only shot at being grossly over payed.

[@rickrose5377]

I disagree. When healrhy, he's the Cubs' best position player. In a stadium with a short right-field porch (e.g., Yankee Stadium) or a bandbox like Cincinnati, he changes his approach and hits 40. He has the best bat-to-ball skills on the team (excepting perhaps Nico, when Nico's healthy), and after recovering from his wrist injury, has re-made himself into one of the best two-strike hitters in baseball. Most importantly: with any stability in his status at all, he is an ELITE defender. I LIKE both Michael Busch and PCA -- they're both young with enormous upsides, and you've got to play them -- but frankly, Cody is a better center fielder than PCA, and he's a terrific defensive first-baseman, when played consistently, one of the best in baseball.

[@hiramnoone]

@@rickrose5377 He had a mediocre year. The Cubs paid him on the basis of the previous season expecting as much again this year. Had they had a crystal ball, they likely wouldn't have even signed him.

[@rickrose5377]

@hiramnoone He DID have a mediocre year, but what does it say about the Cubs that his numbers were STILL better than anyone but Happ (who played considerably more games and escaped injury) and Suzuki -- who doesn't play anywhere near as good defense, and in fact, is a defensive liability. He had a mediocre season (for him), but I stick with my original points: 1) he has the best bat-to-ball skills of anyone on the team (with the possible exception of Hoerner, who had an even WORSE year) 2) he re-made himself into one of the best two-strike hitters in baseball after the injury he suffered with the Dodgers, and 3) he's the best defender on the team.

[@timh4550]

Right field fence in NY - 314 ft. Wrigley - 353.

[@everetttauscher8377]

Happy birthday Sam!!! 🎂

[@HuzzahDaddy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM🎉

[@michaelsalo2189]

Happy Birthday Sam!🎂 Let’s Gooooo Cubs!!!

[@DavidStrom-yw4iq]

Happy birthday Sam

[@popsmoke99]

Now go hit the gym Cody and strengthen that upper body for the love of Christ....

[@LoveThoseCubbies]

😂😂 Top comment. 🎵Go Cubs Go 🎵

[@ynotcougar]

Same for Mike Busch and PCA, PCA always looks like he needs to eat a sandwich.

[@TheLearningCatalystCoach]

​@@ynotcougarPCA is the third fastest player in MLB(according to stat cast), should have been a Gold Glove finalist in CF without BS politics with Brewers, and after mechanical changes to pre pitch cadence/stance, was hitting HRs/slug much better last month+...he doesn't need to add more muscle. Did you see what another 10 pounds and messing with a good swing did to Nico this year?!

[@gregmatyas4272]

@@TheLearningCatalystCoachPCA will be fine as his body naturally fills out. No need to bulk up and lose some speed and flexibility.

[@jordancrosno9711]

Get some obliques to guard those ribs. Some stabilizers for the shoulder. But be careful with getting too tight and tearing a muscle while swinging.

[@P2damian]

Have a good one Sam 🔥

[@joecasey1329]

Happy Birthday, Sam

[@bradscialabba1055]

Cody has all the reason to ball out so he can try to get the bag $. Which works great for the Cubs also

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

Teams know better they know cody will play good for free agency then fall back off.Thats why he didn't get that over 230 million deal last offseason

[@Higs8091]

I'm with Sam, I kind of wanted to see what they could do with the extra $$$. Fingers and toes crossed Bellinger gets back to 2023 form; also agree this club needs more POWER. It's going to be extremely disappointing if Jed signs more contact hitters i.e. Mastro and Madrigal and/or another big power, high K rate and low walk rate hitter i.e. Wisdom

[@rebth1st]

Anything below. Happy Birthday, Sam.

[@dave-pm9bu]

Everydayer sorry missed this one...long road trip, i wanted him to opt out, our warning track power super star.

[@born2run995]

with the Belli news they are stuck.If they were bold they would sign Alonso&trade for Vlad...Happ-CF, Vlad-3B,Belli-RF, Alonso-1B,Seiya-DH,Nico-2B,Dansby-SS, Amaya-C, PCA-CF. Trade Paredes,Busch,Caissie, &Alcantara or other prospect for Vlad.But Ricketts will say no

[@brotherhiram5682]

Well now the Ricketts aren't spending this off season.

[@stryperman1]

That was already stated earlier. Going to rely on young talent. Not good

[@BenMueller-ct4by]

Were they really going to like think about it realistically were they ever going to sign a guy like Soto? No so keeping Cody another year isn’t horrible would you rather have Soto and no Bellinger?

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

Bro he wasn't going to spend regradless lol Cubs middle market team,Soto right there but yet another offseaon we can't get the elite players.

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

@@BenMueller-ct4by thats the problem why are cubs fans accepting this every year we can't afford the elite names we third biggest market with no stars.

[@sni6941]

With around 40-50 to spend, here is my Cubs off season wishful plans: 1. Perfect plan: Soto + Burnes (50m/12 yrs + 30m/7yrs) back load the contracts after two years to look like this (20m+20m) + trade for Shea Langeliers + Mason Miller. 2. Great plan: Jack Flaherty + Bregman + Tanner (23m/3y + 25m/7yrs + 16m/4yrs) back load with first 2 years(18m+20m+12m) + trade for O'Hopper (angels) 3. Good plan: Teoscar H. + Eovaldi + Nick Martinez (25m/5yrs + 20m/3yrs + 12m/3yrs) back load to (18m + 15m + 10m) + trade for J. Bart (Pirates) 4. OK plan: Wacha + Hoffman + Jasen/Diaz (20m/3yrs + 11m/3yrs + 3m) + trade for Crochet 5. Survive plan: Santander (20m/5yrs) + Buehler (15m/3yrs) + Holmes + Estevez + Higashioka Don't sign Alonso, Adames, Bieber, Fried, Snell, some are injury concerns, some are money-value too bad.

[@ripgwynn]

I feel Cody will be better this year. Last year waiting so late before signing with the Cubs hurt him and now that this year this decision is done he’ll have more time to concentrate on baseball in my opinion.

[@ProgressivelyIndependent]

Happy birthday Sam!

[@Baignotbag]

Not surprised he came back

[@thechild7355]

Happy Birthday Sam

[@highonelevation9102]

I feel like we need a good closer.

[@joeguidi7270]

I think Cody surprises us this year. Although I am somewhat down on his opt in decision.

[@rodneyelylesrealestate]

I hate to be negative, but it sure feels like we are going to have the same lineup next year. I'm disappointed. Where do you put Shaw and Cassie and any of the young bats? Maybe you package Paredes and Busch for a power bat and stick Shaw at third?

[@joshuasteward6097]

But PCA can play well for all 2025. Room for improvement. Better era in the Kyle H spot.

[@nigelward5494]

I think it forces the Michael Busch issue, cheers guys Have a good night Sam happy Birthday!

[@Tom-hc5iv]

Bellinger I believe had a chance to get a decent contract this offseason...something in the neighborhood of 5 year 100-120 mil...but he's betting on himself so there is reason for optimism.

[@bradscialabba1055]

Super happy he is back , Jed would not have replaced him with a better position player. HB Sam

[@clayhadley]

Any trade with the A's involving Rooker and Miller is seriously gonna start with Crow-Armstrong or Horton maybe both, and then maybe a Hoerner, Paredes, or a Busch or 2 or 3 more Minor leaguers.

[@frankleyJ]

$20mil would be more palatable, but I coveted the roster spot more than the dollars... they have to make a massive trade. Absolute pipe dream would be like Paredes, Bush, Alcantara, canario, probably a bit more for rooker/ miller from the A's. But they need to open some spots one way or another for caissie and shaw

[@joecasey1329]

Belli opting in is no surprise and not a horrible thing unless your name is Caissie or Alcantara, Busch or perhaps Seiya. Although I would’ve led preferred Caissie having a legitimate chance at the RF job out of Spring Training, he can be packaged in a deal to fill a need at Catcher, Closer, 3B or SP. As constructed, the Cubs roster doesn’t get them to Championship level. I hope Jed has his big boy pants on and can come up with something that brings the Cubs a reliable run producer with overwhelming power.

[@mizer9510]

Not good. He is not the same player he used to be. They should cut him and bring up the new prospects. Bellinger doesn't take this team to the next level.

[@doheo33]

Yessss

[@Mike-G-15]

How are you guys getting to only $43M below the CBT line? Despite Bellinger staying, they should be between $55-60M below the CBT line by even the more conservative estimates. I think maybe you're including the arbitration estimates for all eligible players? If you instead include only the arb-eligible players they are expected to tender - this should result in around $183.5M projected total payroll (everything included), which is $57.5M below the line. This is also consistent with what MLBTR put out today. IMO - Bellinger staying has more pros than cons. It solidifies the floor, and actually forces Jed to raise the ceiling with the available $ from above AND trading from obvious prospect surplus. Should at least have plenty of ammo for significant catcher and bullpen upgrades via trade, and another impact SP via FA - and that alone elevates to 90 win team.

[@michaelplowman8674]

He's getting his number from Fangraphs which takes in the buy outs of Smyly and Bote along with a couple of other things. But if the Cubs don't offer arbitration to the 5 players Matt suggested the other day and they are replaced with 5 guys in system, that would save another estimated 8M. Someone will take Nico so even if the Cubs have to eat part of his deal, that probably opens up another 8M. Nothing is stopping the Cubs from trading Bellinger beyond a team wanting him. If Soto leaves, the Yankees will look to find someone else.

[@gregmatyas4272]

Very nicely put, also if they trade Nico that frees up another $12-15m and we can play some of our youth

[@scottcallender721]

Same team same team. Need some pitcher and a great reliever

[@saynerken]

Why wouldn't Cubs go all in on pitching. Trade a couple of prospects for Mason Miller then go get Burnes in free agency

[@daneslayer2269]

Opt in or out, still way overpaid, another bad Boras contract.

[@JohnDePewIII-tn6ui]

Cubs should sign the best right-handed pitcher available and that may help them sign Soto. Sam I am 72 so all I can say is don't get any older.🎉

[@tomkotter1181]

Belly still might get traded as he's been an injury-prone, underperforming highly paid outfielder. We have to start bringing up our youth!

[@thechild7355]

Look at all the adjectives you used. What team would trade for that?

[@tomkotter1181]

Always someone with $ or prospects! But I do agree that nobody would pick up his contract as it is now. I did have other adjectives but just threw in the towel! Really bad news with all of our needs.

[@T-TiiMe]

only 7 minutes? ;)

[@drewkre]

I'm happy Bellinger is coming back. Now trade some of these OF prospects w/o a spot for Vlad Jr.

[@johnmaskovich561]

Happy birthday Sam! I'm disappointed I agree 💯 with Sam! He not getting back to 23 numbers. Waste of money sorry Bellinger is not worth it ugh 😩 Terrible contract, maybe put a package together and trade him. To me it's an oh my gosh moment.

[@iamrangers8351]

It's weird scenario because 1) Bellinger is above average, can play multiple positions well, good baserunner, and a lefty. 2) Now the Cubs have to make trades (hopefully young OF prospects for a legit hitter or top of rotation starter). However, Bellinger doesn't seem like worth his value $ wise, but Cubs are a HUGE MARKET

[@LaflairNetwork]

Good 👍

[@jimloiacono6112]

Put the blame on Theo. He gave a player an opportunity to opt-out if he had a good year and the chance to opt-in if he had a poor or mediocre year. That said, Bellinger is a pretty good player who adds value to this team.

[@garytomas7132]

Theo?? You mean jed

[@danielparkhurst]

It must be awesome to opt in to 27M dollars

[@gabel4277]

Color me, surprised

[@bulcub]

budget my a*s!!! they were willing to spend $500/$600 mil for Ohtani!! Pay Juan Soto (+10 games with that bat) Get an elite pitcher that can win minimum 17/18 games. Use all ur young pitchers and develope the BP you may find a decent closer and a 6th/8th innings setups. get rid of all the dudes who strikeout a lot.

[@everetttauscher8377]

Did you buy yourself a PCA jersey for your birthday Sam?

[@rebth1st]

I honestly do not think that the Cubs would do anything positive to get a 5 WAR player player with or without Bellinger.

[@Tom-hc5iv]

Don't forget there will be a lot of non-tenders...this will save us an additional 10-20mil

[@anthonypascente9331]

I love it. Now Go get a friggin Closer and someone who can hit 35 HRs. E

[@timad11]

There was no guarantee the Cubs would have spent the money saved if Cody opted out.

[@Mayznor86]

If Yankees block Cole's opt out. Cubs trade for Cole. Sign Bauer on cheap. Then sell Soto on those moves.... Or we just going to get Snell like that's enough?? Chips all in

[@giltovar6531]

No to Pete Alanso.

[@kingslayer3796]

Cody Bellinger to Yankees for Marcus Stroman and Trent Grisham

[@JohnDePewIII-tn6ui]

If the Cubs can't afford to be competitive maybe they should just move to the south side

[@LoveThoseCubbies]

Blow the doors off Pittsburgh and overwhelm them with young, affordable talent. Trade Happ, Horton, Ballasteros, some cash to cover part of Happ's contract and any other prospects they have to add for Paul Skenes. They're going to trade him as soon as he is close to a big money deal anyway. Make them an offer they can't refuse and get the best rotation in baseball to start 2025. 🎉

[@True-word74]

Lmao they will never trade skenes

[@clayhadley]

Happ and Susuki have no trade clauses. NOT GONNA HAPPEN

[@oldmanmucsi527]

Trade Hoerner move Padres to 2B and sign Bregman and Santander? Happy Birthday Sam

[@gregmatyas4272]

We don’t need an old outfielder and Bregman regressed considerably the 2nd half last year, pass on both.

[@Xxxomar880]

Cubs lineup is trash 🗑 this team doesn't not scary lineup

[@Thisredmonkevr]

Trust me vlad is the safest play hes 24 hit well over 300 has big time pwer win a gold glove an is 2 years away from prime so trust me the cubs will not pull the trigger

[@Gonar1212]

Cody is decent if he stays healthy. The guy broke 2 ribs for God sake. Happ can go.

[@gmanpg1]

Happy about bellinger still need big lefty bat and starter. Heard adames will be a cub per counsel

[@dennislasley861]

Get your ass to spring training now!

[@TheLearningCatalystCoach]

Trade Happ, move Belly to LF or RF. call up Caissie for RF or LF(and Triantos as backup at 2B and OF). Seiya as DH. Or get Vlad Jr as your DH, giving Jays Happ or Belly and Hoerner and a few mid level prospects.

[@gregmatyas4272]

Happ has a no trade clause, I doubt he’ll waive it except for MAYBE Cin or Cle

[@TheLearningCatalystCoach]

@gregmatyas4272 it's business. Hoyer and co screwed up with that contract, and good GMs/leadership fix it. They need to grow a pair.and run the organization like they want to win. No trade clause guys get dealt on a regular basis...just have to make it clear he's not in the future plans of the organization, and you'll send him somewhere he'd like to go(ask for 4-5 options)...or he rides the bench.

[@gregmatyas4272]

@ like I said he MIGHT agree to Cin/Cle and that’s about it, having him ride the line doesn’t serve any purpose and it lets future FAs how team operates.

[@TheLearningCatalystCoach]

@gregmatyas4272 he won't actually ride the pine, it wouldn't get that far if the front office has any balls and can do their job...but you have to lay out the consequences of not being open to being traded.

[@gregmatyas4272]

@ cmon man what world do u live in, players union would have a major say if any team was trying to screw over a player or get revenge etc, Cubs can’t send him to minors etc so not sure what repercussions there could possibly be. Like it or not Happ and Cubs agreed upon and signed a contract with a NTC, live with it and maybe the Cubs can work out a trade that would be amicable to all sides.

[@Beatlesbec]

Smyly declined his option...Rizzo is a FA

[@gregmatyas4272]

Cubs declined Smyly’s option, even Smyly wasn’t that dumb.

[@jamespullos8027]

Season's over boys plan for 2026

[@w829l5]

Soto staying with the Yankees. The price tag on him is a joke. Cubs don't need him. They need pitching. Their infield/outfield is solid

[@dave-pm9bu]

Don't need him? Wouldn't go that far.

[@w829l5]

@dave-pm9bu he's cocky, and a really bad image. He's not worth the tag he's asking for. 2-3 more good years and he'll get hurt and just be another KB.

[@donaldmiller7628]

Leave the yankees alone please we make these team great.

[@foundthingsifound]

That sucks

[@AVUNDFTD]

I miss my glorious king bellinger -Dodger fan

[@cmanayf4354]

Not a good thing boys. Happy Birthday Sam!

[@TheRocker27]

Boycott Wrigley Fields now! Who b carin? Wirlin verlin breakdancer froms Crestwood IL do. Amysully wat up dog? Loveable losers forever b done. Moves tos Dalton an b Dalton Duds. Tears down Wrigleys fields an put da cemetery der. MAKE AMERICA TRUMPLESS AGAIN FRANKLIN 🤘🃏🎸🥃🍺🤤🪦🧚🕺🌪️🤡🇺🇲😂🤣

[@Johniewaterice]

Plan A is still in order : don’t sign Soto

[@Oldman_J]

82wins 😔

[@GuyCabliaro]

Institutionalized mediocrity achieved for years to come.

[@cubswin66]

Epic fail. Prospect blocker and a total bust that only cared about money.

[@jamespullos8027]

The Cubs are so mediocre

[@JerryEngemann]

Happy birthday Sam!!!

[@aidanneitzel2528]

Happy birthday Sam!