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The trade market is reportedly slim for one former MVP this offseason.
Per USA Today’s Bob Nightengalethe Chicago Cubs are offering Cody Bellinger to “anyone and everyone” and “no team has expressed strong interest” thus far. One general manager attributed the lack of interest to Bellinger’s contract.
“Come on,” the GM said, per Nightengale. “Who’s going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production.”
Bellinger, who won the National League MVP in 2019 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has an expensive contract considering his recent numbers. He will get $25 million in 2025 and can earn $25 million in 2026 or receive a $5 million buyout. He exercised his 2025 player option earlier in November, earning him a guaranteed $32.5 million.
The 29-year-old hit 18 home runs and 78 RBI with a .266 batting average and a .751 OPS in his second year with the Cubs in 2024. After struggling in his final few years with the Dodgers, Bellinger once again became a reliable hitter in Chicago, but he’s not quite back to MVP form yet.
Chicago is coming off an 83-79 season and missed the postseason for a fourth straight year last season. The Cubs are looking to rebuild and get back to championship form, and it seems moving Bellinger is among their priorities this offseason.
If the Cubs want to find a deal for Bellinger, they’ll likely need to take on some of his contract to make him less of a financial commitment for a potential suitor.
