Cody Bellinger Exercises Player Option With Cubs For 2025 Season: A Critical Examination

An Overview of the Situation

Cody Bellinger, the former National League MVP, has exercised his $18.6 million player option to remain with the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising Bellinger’s potential and others expressing concerns about his recent struggles.

Bellinger’s Potential and Recent Struggles

Bellinger burst onto the scene in 2017, winning the NL Gold Glove Award and Rookie of the Year Award. He followed that up with an MVP-caliber season in 2019, leading the league in home runs and RBIs. However, Bellinger’s production has declined significantly in recent years. In 2022, he hit just .210 with 19 home runs, his lowest totals since his rookie season.

Cubs’ Perspective

The Cubs are hoping that Bellinger can rediscover his former form and become a key part of their lineup. They view him as a talented player with a high upside, despite his recent struggles. The Cubs are also optimistic that Bellinger can benefit from a change of scenery and a fresh start with a new team.

Critics’ Concerns

Critics of Bellinger’s decision point to his declining production as a reason for concern. They believe that the Cubs are taking a significant risk by committing to him for another year at a high salary. Critics also argue that Bellinger may not be a good fit for the Cubs, as their lineup already features several young and talented hitters.

Bellinger’s Perspective

Bellinger has expressed his gratitude to the Cubs for giving him another opportunity. He is confident that he can bounce back from his struggles and become a valuable contributor to the team. Bellinger believes that the Cubs organization and coaching staff can help him reach his full potential.

Data and Analysis

Statistical analysis supports the concerns over Bellinger’s decline. His offensive numbers have dropped across the board in recent years. In 2022, his batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and WAR were all significantly lower than his career averages.

Table: Comparison of Bellinger’s Offensive Metrics

| Year | AVG | OBP | SLG | WAR |
|:———:|:—–:|:——:|:——:|:——:|
| 2017 | .267 | .352 | .581 | 5.8 |
| 2018 | .260 | .343 | .480 | 3.8 |
| 2019 | .305 | .406 | .624 | 8.2 |
| 2020 | .239 | .334 | .465 | 0.9 |
| 2021 | .165 | .240 | .355 | -1.2 |
| 2022 | .210 | .265 | .404 | -0.6 |

Implications for the Cubs

The Cubs’ decision to retain Bellinger has significant implications for their future. If Bellinger can return to his former form, it would be a huge boost to the team. However, if he continues to struggle, it could become a financial burden and hinder the Cubs’ ability to build a competitive roster.

Reflections on the Broader Implications

The Cody Bellinger situation highlights the complexities of evaluating and managing professional athletes. Teams must balance the potential upside of a player with the risk of their recent struggles. It is also important to consider the impact that a player’s personality and fit within the team culture can have on their performance.

Bellinger’s decision to exercise his player option is a reminder that professional athletes have the power to make decisions that affect their careers and the teams they play for. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and what the future holds for both Bellinger and the Cubs.