The Major League Baseball offseason is already confusing and annoying the Chicago Cubs. If the Cubs were to pass up the most expensive free agents in this year’s class, it would be a devastating cheapskate move from one of the league’s biggest-market teams, according to early indications.
And ownership has a half-decent scapegoat if they choose not to spend. Cody Bellinger, an outfielder and first baseman, just decided to start the second year of his Cubs contract after a relatively disappointing 2024 year.
In addition to his player option, which ensures a $27.5 million pay this season, Bellinger also has a $25 million player option for 2026. If the Cubs want to escape the deal, they could have to give up some cash because any team that trades for the two-time All-Star must pay $52.5 million in total. However, one MLB watcher claims that the Cubs are searching New York City for the perfect trade partner.
Harold Reynolds of MLB Network predicted on Tuesday that Chicago would trade Bellinger to the Yankees this winter to fill the obvious first base void left by the American League champions. “To me,” Reynolds said, “he seems like a Yankee.” “After you traded him to the Yankees, you put him at first base…
I don’t believe Cody Bellinger’s best days are over, not with that lineup, that team, and that ballpark. They appear to be in front of him. In his most recent All-Star season, Bellinger, who is still only 29, batted a career-high.307 with an OPS of.881. Regretfully, the previous MVP’s performance in 2024 drastically deteriorated, as he only managed 18 home runs and.751 OPS in 130 games. 
The Cubs are in a decent position at first base and in the outfield, which makes Bellinger an appealing trade. Few clubs are willing to pay such a high salary to a player with a mixed record, but the Yankees may be the team to do so.
