Former Dodgers superstar won’t be a free agent this winter, but will remain with the team

Former Los Angeles Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger picked up his $27.5 million player option with the Chicago Cubs and will officially return to the Cubs for the 2025 season, according to Keely McDaniel from ESPN.

Bellinger first signed with the Cubs in December 2022 to a one-year contract with an option for 2024. Bellinger declined his 2024 option but re-signed to a three-year, $80 million contract in February 2024. He is due to make $27.5 million in 2025 and will have the option to opt out again after the 2025 season.

In the 2024 season, Bellinger slashed .266/.325/.426 with 137 hits, 72 runs, 18 home runs and 78 RBIs.

Before becoming a Cub, Bellinger spent his entire career with the Dodgers. The Dodgers selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in 2017. Since his rookie season, Bellinger has become a star for the Dodgers.

Bellinger had a record rookie season, hitting 39 home runs and recording 97 RBIs, despite not being called up until late April. He became the first Dodgers rookie to hit in the cycle and broke franchise rookie Mike Piazza’s home run record. He was named an MLB All-Star, won the National League Rookie of the Year award and helped the Dodgers reach the World Series, where they lost to the Houston Astros.

After an incredible rookie season, Bellinger won National League MVP honors in 2018 and then recorded the best season of his career in 2019. 115 RBI. He won the NL MVP award and made his second career MLB All-Star Game.

Bellinger was unable to repeat his success in the next few seasons. His batting average dropped to .165 in 2021, and he hit just 10 home runs over 95 games that season. His numbers improved in 2022, but not enough, as the Dodgers decided to waive his tender and allow him to become a free agent. Bellinger joined the Cubs and rebounded in 2023, winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award after hitting a career-high .307 with 26 home runs.