🚨 CHICAGO CUBS SET TO REVIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CODY BELLINGER? The Cubs have been actively searching for a powerful bat to bolster their lineup, and reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post have stirred excitement among fans. According to the latest updates, the Cubs are eyeing former outfielder Cody Bellinger for a potential reunion. Heyman also named other free-agent targets for the Cubs, including third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Bo Bichette. This news has many asking: could the Cubs really bring Bellinger back?

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Bellinger’s Impactful 2023 Revival in Chicago

The Chicago Cubs and Cody Bellinger have history. The two-time All-Star and 2019 National League MVP enjoyed a career resurgence with the Cubs in 2023. After a few down years, Bellinger’s performance in Chicago was a breath of fresh air. In his first season back with the Cubs, Bellinger hit .307, belted 26 home runs, and posted a stellar .881 OPS, just as the Cubs were fighting for a postseason berth. His performance was instrumental in keeping the Cubs competitive, although they ultimately fell just short of a playoff spot.

But his journey back to form wasn’t straightforward. After a disappointing winter for free agents, Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract, with opt-outs after each season. However, his 2024 campaign saw a slight dip in numbers, as he finished the season with a .266/.325/.426 slash line and 18 home runs. Despite the regression, Bellinger’s deal with the Cubs was still seen as a win due to his value during 2023.

Cubs Move on from Bellinger for the Yankees

As part of his contract, Bellinger opted into the second year of his deal. However, the Cubs, looking to retool and save money, moved him to the New York Yankees in a trade that saw them send Bellinger to New York in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet in a salary dump. The Cubs may have seen this move as a necessity, but it turned out to be beneficial for the Yankees.

Bellinger’s time with the Yankees marked a huge resurgence in his career. In what could be considered his best season since his MVP year in 2019, Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs, an .813 OPS, and 5.1 WAR. These impressive numbers put him in the driver’s seat to cash in on a lucrative free-agent deal. The Yankees, seemingly aware of Bellinger’s value, made an offer to him, but the specifics of that offer remain unclear.

The Cubs’ Renewed Interest in Bellinger

Given the Cubs’ recent moves, including their bold trade for outfielder Kyle Tucker, there’s speculation that they might pivot back to Bellinger as a replacement for Tucker’s left-handed bat. However, their interest in Bellinger seems somewhat curious, considering his inconsistent history. The Cubs are all too familiar with Bellinger’s hot-and-cold track record, and the 2024 season didn’t provide the kind of stability they might have hoped for after his 2023 breakout.

According to Heyman’s report, the Cubs’ interest is still in the early stages, and no formal offer has been made yet. It’s possible that Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, is using the Cubs’ interest to leverage a better deal from the Yankees. In fact, Heyman also reported that the Yankees had already made an offer to Bellinger, with further offers possibly on the horizon.

Other Teams in the Bellinger Race

The race for Bellinger’s services is not just between the Cubs and Yankees. Other major league teams have shown interest in the former MVP, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. These teams could become bigger threats to sign Bellinger if he ends up settling for a short-term deal. A shorter-term contract, though, could allow the Cubs to swoop in and bring him back at a more affordable price.

With the Yankees already in negotiations and teams like the Dodgers making a strong push for Bellinger, the Cubs will need to act fast if they want to secure the services of the dynamic outfielder. The situation presents a unique opportunity for Chicago, but only time will tell how it all plays out.

Can the Cubs Afford a Bellinger Reunion?

As the Cubs continue their search for impactful players, one major question looms: can they afford to bring back Bellinger? After falling short in the division series to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs are looking to retool their roster for a more competitive 2026 season. Roster Resource currently lists the Cubs’ 2026 payroll at $194 million, with a Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) figure of $209 million.

A move to re-sign Bellinger would undoubtedly increase the Cubs’ payroll. In 2025, the Cubs spent $206 million on their roster, and adding Bellinger would likely push their payroll higher. MLB Trade Rumors and FanGraphs both predict that Bellinger could secure a five-year deal worth between $135 million and $140 million. This would be a significant commitment for a player who has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t been able to replicate his MVP-level performance consistently.

If the Cubs do pursue Bellinger, they will have to make tough decisions on how much they are willing to spend. Signing him to a shorter-term contract might give the Cubs more financial flexibility. However, that could come with a higher average annual salary, which would ultimately affect the team’s long-term plans. This scenario would push Chicago’s CBT number to around $233-234 million, dangerously close to the luxury tax threshold of $244 million.

Luxury Tax Implications for the Cubs

As it stands, the Cubs have not exceeded the luxury tax threshold in 2025, which means their penalties moving forward are minimal. First-time offenders would only face a 20% tax on any amount spent over the threshold. If the Cubs move forward with a deal for Bellinger that pushes them closer to the luxury tax, they will have to carefully manage their payroll to avoid significant penalties down the road.

For a team like the Cubs, who are still rebuilding and looking for sustainability in their roster construction, maintaining financial flexibility is important. However, with the window for contention starting to open, the Cubs may be willing to go over the luxury tax in order to secure a player like Bellinger, who could make a big difference in their lineup.

Conclusion: Will the Cubs Make a Move for Bellinger?

The Cubs’ interest in Bellinger is still in its early stages, but it’s clear that they are exploring the possibility of a reunion. Given the team’s quest for an impact bat and Bellinger’s recent resurgence, the idea of bringing him back is intriguing. Whether the Cubs can afford him, however, remains to be seen. With other teams also in pursuit, the Cubs will need to act quickly and strategically to bring Bellinger back to Chicago.

One thing is for certain: if the Cubs do manage to pull off a deal for the former MVP, it would be another bold move in their ongoing efforts to build a championship-contending team. As Bellinger’s market continues to heat up, expect the Cubs to make their move—either for him or for another big-name free agent—as they aim to strengthen their lineup for the 2026 season.