Cody Bellinger has opted into his $27.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, resolving a key offseason dilemma for the team.

In the past season, Bellinger had a solid performance, hitting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games, despite a stint on the injured list. The Cubs, however, missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

Additionally, the Cubs declined Drew Smyly's mutual option, making him a free agent. Bellinger, previously with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has shown significant improvement since joining Chicago.

The MLB offseason has kicked off with the Chicago Cubs making significant decisions. Cody Bellinger has opted to stay with the team, securing a $27.5 million contract for the 2025 season, while veteran pitcher Drew Smyly's contract option was declined.

Looking ahead, the Cubs are focused on enhancing their roster to become competitive. Rumors suggest they may target star pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, but there’s also interest in free agent Jack Flaherty from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Flaherty, who had a strong 2024 season, could be a valuable addition on a short-term deal, potentially forming a formidable rotation alongside Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Javier Assad. While fans may lean towards acquiring a powerful hitter, adding an elite pitcher could significantly boost the Cubs' competitiveness as they aim for a successful 2025 season.

The MLB offseason is heating up with 198 players eligible for free agency, spanning both the American and National Leagues. Teams are evaluating their rosters and making decisions on player options, including club, player, and mutual options.

Key players from various teams, including the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, are on the list, highlighting the potential for significant roster changes as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a pivotal offseason, with a primary focus on Cody Bellinger amidst a need for offensive improvement. Despite a lackluster 2024 season, the front office must also consider enhancements to their pitching staff, which is crucial for postseason success.

With key players like Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly likely departing, the Cubs' rotation remains a priority. They have promising prospects such as Matt Shaw and Owen Caissie, but balancing their budget will be essential for making impactful moves.

The Chicago Cubs finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, placing second in the NL Central. Despite a solid run differential suggesting a better performance, they missed the postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

Key contributors included Shota Imanaga, who excelled as a rookie pitcher, and Seiya Suzuki, who had a standout offensive season. However, the bullpen's struggles and underperformance from certain positions hindered their success.

Looking ahead, the Cubs have several key free agents and will need to address their catching and bullpen needs to improve in 2025.