Cubs Have Reportedly Checked in on Cody Bellinger

I am once again convinced that time is a flat circle. According to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the Chicago Cubs have checked in on old friend Cody Bellinger.

Cubs checked in on old friend Cody Bellinger. They’re also known to be in touch with Bregman, Bichette and other top players. The incumbent Yankees remain in talks with Bellinger, their stated No. 1 priority. Mets, Dodgers, Giants are among others showing interest in Bellinger.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2026

Bellinger spent two seasons with the Cubs after signing a prove-it deal in 2023. He posted a 4.4 fWAR that season, along with a 135 wRC+ and 97 RBIs. It appeared that he was back to his MVP form, or at least close to it. The Cubs brought him back the following season on an opt-out-heavy contract, as teams remained concerned about his injury history and the sustainability of his 2023 performance.

While he was not exactly disappointing in 2024, Bellinger’s .322 wOBA and .161 ISO reflected a decline from the previous season. After he opted into his contract for the 2025 season, the Cubs traded him to the New York Yankees in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet. The move was a clear salary dump, allowing the Cubs to shed $25 million. Poteet was designated for assignment in March and was later traded to the Orioles for cash considerations.

Bellinger’s swing plays well in Yankee Stadium, with the short porch accounting for several of his home runs this past season. He hit 30 home runs, his most since his 2019 MVP campaign. Many of his offensive numbers were the highest he has posted since that season with the Dodgers, positioning him well for a large payday with whichever team he chooses to sign with.

Reports indicate that Bellinger is seeking a significant contract, which is not surprising given that he is represented by Scott Boras. The question remains whether he will receive that kind of deal. The Yankees have reportedly made two offers to the 30-year-old, making them the most likely destination at this point.

The Cubs’ reported interest is not surprising, as the team needs a right fielder for the upcoming season. Owen Caissie could fill that role, but adding a proven major leaguer to the lineup is always a wise move. It would also give Craig Counsell more flexibility to rest Pete Crow-Armstrong, which is important over the course of a long season. There is also the possibility that this report is simply leverage to push the Yankees to increase their offer once again.

After shedding his salary last offseason, bringing Bellinger back on what would likely be a more substantial deal would be ironic, but it could also help improve the roster. Casting a wide net in free agency is generally a smart approach, and that appears to be exactly what the Cubs are doing.