A familiar face could be returning to Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in outfielder Cody Bellinger, Jon Heyman reported Saturday, less than a year after trading him away to clear payroll.
Bellinger, 30, spent two seasons with the Cubs from 2023-24 before heading to the Yankees last winter. The 2019 National League MVP responded with his best season since that award-winning campaign, hitting .272 with 29 home runs, an .813 OPS, and 5.1 bWAR in his lone year in the Bronx.
That performance led Bellinger to opt out of the final year of his contract, setting up this offseason's free agency. Now the Cubs find themselves among several teams pursuing a player they dealt away less than a year ago.
The Tucker Connection
Chicago's interest in Bellinger comes as Kyle Tucker prepares to hit free agency after the Cubs acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros last winter. Tucker's departure would leave a significant void in the lineup, particularly from the left side of the plate.
The Cubs sent a massive haul of prospects to Houston for Tucker, who posted an .841 OPS with 22 home runs in 136 games despite dealing with injuries throughout the season. His production alongside Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki helped form one of the National League's better lineups.
Bellinger could theoretically slide into right field as Tucker's replacement while Suzuki remains the primary designated hitter. The fit is clean from a positional standpoint, though questions remain about whether the Cubs would commit significant resources to a reunion.
The Wrigley Effect
Bellinger's time in Chicago produced mixed results. He revitalized his career with a spectacular 2023 campaign, hitting .307 with 26 home runs and an .881 OPS while earning a Silver Slugger award and Comeback Player of the Year honors.
That performance led to a contract extension, but 2024 proved disappointing. Bellinger slashed just .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs as Wrigley Field's pitcher-friendly confines appeared to suppress his power production. The Cubs ultimately moved him to New York after acquiring Tucker.
The Yankees benefited significantly from the deal. Bellinger thrived at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, posting a .302/.365/.544 slash line with 18 home runs in 80 home games. His road numbers were notably worse at .241/.301/.414 with 11 homers.
Whether Bellinger would accept returning to Wrigley's challenging hitting environment remains unclear, especially after experiencing success in the Bronx.
Scott Boras Strategy
Agent Scott Boras has spoken positively about Bellinger's experience in Chicago, noting the advantage of a player knowing he can perform well in a particular city. That familiarity could benefit both sides in negotiations.
However, some view the Cubs' reported interest as Boras leveraging Chicago to drive up offers from the Yankees and other suitors. The Yankees have already made at least one formal contract offer to Bellinger and remain interested in retaining him.
Teams beyond the Yankees and Cubs showing interest include the Dodgers, Mets, Giants, Angels, Blue Jays, and Phillies, though Philadelphia's recent re-signing of Kyle Schwarber may remove them from consideration.
Roster Fit Questions
Even without Tucker, the Cubs face a crowded outfield situation. Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming off a 30-30 season, and top prospects Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara are ready for extended MLB playing time.
Signing Bellinger would create a logjam that limits opportunities for Chicago's young talent. However, with Suzuki and Ian Happ both entering the final year of their contracts, the Cubs could approach 2026 as a competitive push with veterans before transitioning to younger players in 2027.
First base and designated hitter represent the clearest paths to playing time, though Michael Busch established himself as an anchor at first base last season. The DH spot could go to Bellinger, but the organization may prefer giving prospect Moises Ballesteros that opportunity.
Budget Considerations
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has focused primarily on pitching this offseason, re-signing starter Shota Imanaga and adding relievers Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, and Caleb Thielbar. The team's payroll sits around $194 million with a luxury tax number near $209 million.
Bellinger is projected to command a deal in the five-year, $140 million range. That would represent a significant commitment for Hoyer, whose largest free agent investment remains Dansby Swanson's seven-year, $177 million contract from the 2022-23 offseason.
Cubs management has been connected to third baseman Alex Bregman and met with Pete Alonso before he signed with the Orioles. Heyman's report also mentioned shortstop Bo Bichette as a possible target, suggesting Chicago is exploring multiple offensive options.
The Waiting Game
Based on the preliminary nature of Heyman's report, the Cubs' interest appears to be in the exploratory stage rather than serious pursuit. Chicago knows Bellinger's strengths and weaknesses intimately after two seasons together.
The Yankees remain the favorite to retain Bellinger given their recent success together and reported contract offers. Whether the Cubs can or want to outbid New York and other suitors remains to be seen.
For now, Cubs fans are left to wonder if a reunion makes sense for either party. Bellinger found success at Wrigley in 2023 before struggling in 2024, then excelled again upon reaching Yankee Stadium. The pattern raises questions about how he might perform in a return to Chicago.
As free agency drags into January with several big names still unsigned, the Cubs maintain their options while the market develops. Whether Bellinger ultimately returns to the North Side or signs elsewhere, his brief Cubs tenure already featured one of the game's great comeback stories.