Cody Bellinger's Return Shapes Cubs' Off-Season Strategy and Roster Decisions

Cody Bellinger's return to the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season has significant implications for the team's off-season plans and overall strategy.

Impact on the Cubs' Off-Season Plans

1. Financial Flexibility and Roster Moves:
   • Bellinger's decision to opt into his contract for 2025 at $27.5 million provides the Cubs with some financial flexibility. This allows the team to explore other areas of need without the added pressure of finding a replacement for Bellinger in the lineup.
   • However, it also means the Cubs need to be strategic about managing their payroll. With Bellinger's salary, the team might need to make some tough decisions about other players, especially those who are arbitration-eligible or free agents.
2. Bullpen and Pitching Staff:
   • The Cubs are expected to focus on bolstering their bullpen and pitching staff this off-season. This includes targeting relievers to strengthen their bullpen and potentially acquiring starting pitchers to improve their rotation.
   • The return of Bellinger adds to the depth in the outfield and first base, which could influence the Cubs' decisions on positional players and their trade or signing strategies.

Preview

3. Rule 5 Draft and 40-Man Roster:
   • The upcoming Rule 5 Draft on December 11, 2024, requires the Cubs to make decisions about their 40-man roster. They need to protect players from being selected by other teams, which might involve some roster moves to accommodate new signings or trades.
   • Bellinger's presence as a key player means the Cubs will likely prioritize protecting other high-potential players in their system, ensuring they have a balanced roster for the 2025 season.
4. Potential Trades and Acquisitions:
   • Bellinger's return could also influence the Cubs' trade strategies. While they might have considered trading Bellinger if he had opted out, his decision to stay means the Cubs can focus on other areas of need, such as infield depth or additional pitching talent.
   • The team might look to make strategic trades to address specific weaknesses, using Bellinger's solid performance and presence as leverage in negotiations.

Manager's Comments

Cubs manager Craig Counsell has expressed optimism about the potential of the team, emphasizing the positive impact Bellinger has had on the clubhouse and the team's overall outlook. Counsell's comments reflect a belief in the team's ability to end their four-year playoff drought, with Bellinger playing a crucial role in this effort.

Summary

Bellinger's return to the Cubs for the 2025 season provides stability and depth to their lineup, allowing the team to focus on strengthening other areas of the roster. The Cubs' off-season plans will likely involve strategic moves to bolster their pitching staff, manage their payroll effectively, and make calculated decisions around the Rule 5 Draft. Counsell's positive outlook, coupled with Bellinger's performance, sets a hopeful tone for the upcoming season.