CHICAGO
As the Chicago Cubs prepare for one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory, a familiar name has reemerged at the top of their free-agent wish list — Cody Bellinger of the New York Yankees.
According to multiple league sources, the Cubs are expected to make an aggressive push to bring Bellinger back to Chicago after his resurgent season in the Bronx.
Yankees’ Post-Soto Era and Bellinger’s Rise
The Yankees shook the baseball world last winter when they lost superstar Juan Soto to the New York Mets, who signed him to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. In response, the Yankees pivoted by acquiring Bellinger — a move that has quietly paid off.
Bellinger quickly found his rhythm in pinstripes, hitting for both power and average while anchoring New York’s outfield defense. His left-handed swing proved tailor-made for Yankee Stadium, and his ability to perform under pressure reignited the value he once carried as a former MVP and World Series champion.
“He looks like the player he was meant to be again,” one American League scout told The Sporting News. “The confidence, the balance, it’s all back.”
A Stellar Comeback Season
After several inconsistent years marred by injuries and swing changes, Bellinger has put together one of the strongest bounce-back campaigns of his career.
His .281 batting average, 26 home runs, and .852 OPS have placed him firmly among the most attractive free agents heading into 2026. Beyond the stats, Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield positions — and even first base — makes him an ideal fit for teams seeking both flexibility and reliability.
The Yankees, however, now face a difficult decision: extend Bellinger long-term or risk losing him to a market ready to pay premium value.
Why Bellinger Fits Chicago’s Blueprint
For the Cubs, pursuing Bellinger is about more than sentiment — it’s about structure. With Kyle Tucker anchoring right field and a young core led by Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ lineup still lacks a consistent middle-order left-handed threat.
Bellinger checks every box. His postseason experience, defensive excellence, and clutch hitting align perfectly with Chicago’s ambition to reestablish itself as a National League powerhouse.
“Adding a bat like Bellinger would instantly balance the lineup,” said one NL executive. “It would also send a message that the Cubs are serious about winning now.”
A Reunion That Makes Sense
Bellinger previously spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Chicago, where he revitalized his career after a rough exit from Los Angeles. His chemistry with the clubhouse and rapport with the fan base make a potential reunion even more compelling.
If the Cubs can match or exceed the offers expected from New York, Seattle, and San Francisco, insiders believe Chicago could emerge as a leading destination.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs’ front office, led by Craig Counsell and Jed Hoyer, is expected to explore every opportunity to strengthen the roster after a promising 92-win season. Adding a proven veteran like Cody Bellinger could be the final piece that transforms the team from a fringe playoff contender into a legitimate World Series threat.
Whether Bellinger remains in the Bronx or returns to the North Side, his free-agency decision will shape both the Yankees’ future plans and the Cubs’ 2026 trajectory.
