**Cody Bellinger Stays with Cubs for 2025 Season, Opting Against Early Contract Exit**

Chicago Cubs fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Cody Bellinger has decided to remain with the team for the 2025 season. The 29-year-old outfielder will not exercise the opt-out clause in his three-year, $80 million contract, which he inked before the 2024 season. This decision means he will stay with the Cubs through the next season. The contract initially allowed for opt-outs after the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Bellinger's choice is not entirely unexpected given his injury-plagued 2024 season. Despite being limited to just 130 games, he still managed to produce solid statistics with a .266 batting average, a .325 on-base percentage, a .426 slugging percentage, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs. He ended the season with a 109 wRC+. Speculation had been rife about a potential opt-out to test free agency, but ultimately, Bellinger chose stability and familiarity.

“When we signed that deal in late February, we knew that if he had a good year, we knew that he would have a lot of options,” said Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, during the team's end-of-season press conference. “And he had a good year, and so I think he'll have options.” However, Bellinger opted to stay with the Cubs, a team he has called home for the past two seasons.

The Cubs, who have been stuck at an 83-win plateau for the last two years, are aiming to finally break through and make a strong playoff push in 2025. Bellinger, with his proven track record, could be a key factor in this quest. The 2019 NL MVP showcased his elite abilities in 2023, posting a standout season with a .307/.356/.525 slash line, 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and a 136 wRC+ along with a 4.4 fWAR.

Staying healthy will be crucial for Bellinger as the Cubs seek internal improvements to elevate their performance. Hoyer emphasized the importance of creating an environment that fosters player development and overachievement. “How do we put our players in a position to outperform? How do we put them in a position to continue to improve? I think that is the focus,” he said. "We have to beat projections. We have to have players outperform because that's how you have the season that we want to have.”

As the Cubs prepare for the 2025 season, retaining Bellinger provides both a solid foundation and a beacon of hope for a breakthrough year.