Last week, it was reported by Ken Rosenthal that the Cubs are actively trying to move Cody Bellinger. However, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, accomplishing that feat is much easier said than done.
“The worst-kept secret at the GM meetings was the Cubs offering Bellinger to anyone and everyone. So far, no team has expressed strong interest” Nightengale writes.Â
“Come on,” said a rival executive, “who’s going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production.”
The contract of Cody Bellinger is an albatross currently hamstringing the Cubs organization. Nobody is going to be willing to take it on as currently constructed because of the risk. He’s owed $27.5 million next year, which doesn’t match up with his 2024 production, a season in which he hit .266 with 18 home runs.
However, $27.5 million, given his potential upside, might be worth the gamble if it were a one year deal, especially if the Cubs are willing to eat some of the deal. What’s really problematic is the $25 million player option for 2026, which really puts the acquiring club in a horrendous spot. If Bellinger has a productive 2025, he will opt out and become a free agent. If he doesn’t, he’ll opt in and take his $25 million, which could end up being a nightmare scenario.
That could prevent any club from seriously negotiating with the Cubs for the 2019 NL MVP. About the only way I could see the Braves or any team interested is if Chicago is willing to eat well north of $10 million or take on another abysmal contract in return. Atlanta doesn’t have many of those, so even though they have a massive hole in the outfield that must be filled, Cody Bellinger doesn’t seem like a realistic target.
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Photo: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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