🚨 CUBS’ WINTER MOVES IN QUESTION: WILL CODY BELLINGER RETURN TO WRIGLEY FIELD? The Chicago Cubs’ offseason has taken a few unexpected turns. Cubs fans, expecting a flurry of action from Jed Hoyer and the front office, have yet to see the kind of splash they hoped for. After signaling their intent to be active in free agency and utilize their budget, the Cubs have largely remained on the sidelines, with reports suggesting they’ve opted out of pursuing several high-priced players.

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The Cubs’ Growing Need for Roster Improvements

The Cubs entered the offseason with clear needs to address. Coming off a season that saw them fall short of the postseason, many assumed the team would prioritize upgrading its roster, especially its pitching staff. After all, starting pitching was a weak point in 2025, and the Cubs’ bullpen wasn’t without its own inconsistencies. The team was expected to target arms to solidify its rotation and bullpen.

However, what’s been particularly surprising is the Cubs’ shift in focus. While pitching remains an essential need, the Cubs have reportedly focused more on bolstering their position players. This has led to increased rumors surrounding high-profile free agents like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette. Despite the Cubs’ obvious need for pitching, it seems they are willing to address their position player ranks first.

Bregman and Bichette in Play

The Cubs have reportedly emerged as one of the finalists in the race for Houston Astros’ third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman, a three-time All-Star and one of the most consistent hitters in the league, would undoubtedly provide a huge boost to the Cubs’ offense. Reports suggest that the Cubs are closely monitoring Bregman’s market, and it’s clear they’ve been serious about making him a part of their future.

In addition to Bregman, the Cubs are also keeping a close eye on shortstop Bo Bichette’s availability. Bichette, another high-caliber bat, has been a consistent performer for the Toronto Blue Jays. While these players would undeniably add significant talent to the Cubs’ lineup, the name that most fans are still hoping to see return to Chicago is Cody Bellinger.

The Case for Cody Bellinger’s Return

Cody Bellinger’s 2025 season with the New York Yankees has only added fuel to the fire of speculation that a reunion with the Cubs could be on the horizon. After a somewhat underwhelming 2024 season in Chicago, Bellinger proved he’s still capable of elite-level performance in the majors. In 2025, Bellinger hit .272, racked up 29 home runs, posted an impressive .814 OPS, and drove in 98 RBIs while also stealing 13 bases.

While Bellinger doesn’t necessarily have a clear-cut spot in the Yankees’ outfield, his immense talent makes him the type of player any team would want to find room for. And for the Cubs, who are still looking to improve their roster and possibly replace the loss of players like Kyle Tucker, bringing Bellinger back could be the perfect solution.

A Potential Reunion with the Cubs?

Recent reports indicate that the Cubs have indeed made contact with Bellinger, showing renewed interest in the former MVP. On January 4, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman posted an update on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that the Cubs had checked in on their “old friend” Bellinger. Heyman also mentioned that the Cubs were in touch with other top free agents, such as Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, as well as other high-profile players. While the Yankees remain the frontrunners in their pursuit of Bellinger, with the team stating that he is their number one priority, the Cubs’ interest has raised hopes for a potential return to Wrigley Field.

Will the Cubs Make a Competitive Offer?

While the Cubs’ renewed interest in Bellinger is encouraging for fans, there are still significant hurdles to clear before a reunion can happen. Given the Yankees’ established position as the favorites to re-sign Bellinger, the Cubs’ chances of landing him are far from guaranteed. There have also been increasing rumors that the Mets could be another suitor for Bellinger, which would add further competition in the race for his signature.

For the Cubs, securing Bellinger would require them to put together an attractive offer that could rival those of the Yankees or Mets. With Bellinger’s stock as high as ever, his agent, Scott Boras, will likely seek a deal that reflects the outfielder’s market value. This means that the Cubs would need to carefully balance their budget and ensure that their offer is competitive enough to lure him back to Chicago.

The Cubs’ Financial Picture: Can They Afford Bellinger?

One of the most pressing questions surrounding the Cubs’ pursuit of Bellinger is whether they can afford him. With the Cubs’ 2026 payroll projected to be around $194 million, the addition of a player like Bellinger would likely push their spending into higher territory. The Cubs currently have a Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) figure of $209 million, and signing Bellinger would increase that number, possibly pushing it toward the $233-234 million range. This would leave the Cubs dangerously close to the luxury tax threshold of $244 million.

The Cubs did not exceed the luxury tax threshold in 2025, which resets their penalties moving forward. However, adding a high-salaried player like Bellinger could force the Cubs to reconsider their financial strategy, especially since first-time offenders face a 20% tax on any amount spent above the threshold. If the Cubs are willing to go over the luxury tax in order to land Bellinger, they will need to weigh the long-term ramifications carefully.

The Cubs’ Competitive Window: Now or Never?

For the Cubs, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an important one. The team is still in the process of building a contender, but with players like Bellinger potentially available, now might be the perfect time to make a bold move. The Cubs have a solid core, but adding another star player could help them take the next step toward championship contention.

While the Cubs may be taking a more cautious approach this offseason, it’s clear that their desire to improve their roster is still very much alive. Whether they pursue Bellinger or another free agent, one thing is for sure: the Cubs need to make a move to strengthen their position for the coming season.

Conclusion: Could a Reunion Be on the Horizon for Bellinger and the Cubs?

As the offseason continues, the Cubs’ pursuit of free-agent talent remains a subject of intense interest. While the team has been relatively quiet so far, the renewed rumors about a potential reunion with Cody Bellinger show that Chicago is still actively looking to improve. Although the Yankees and Mets remain the favorites to land Bellinger, the Cubs’ financial flexibility and willingness to make a competitive offer could make this reunion a possibility.

For Cubs fans, the hope of seeing Bellinger back in a Chicago uniform is alive and well. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Cubs can secure the player who was such a key part of their roster in 2023, and whether Bellinger will once again make Wrigley Field his home.