Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger, valued at $112 million, could be in line for a high-profile move to the Philadelphia Phillies in free agency.
Following a tough postseason streak—falling in the 2022 World Series, then the 2023 Championship Series, and most recently exiting the 2024 Division Series—Philadelphia is seeking a bold addition to turn things around. Although they won their first National League East title in over a decade, the Phillies still fell short, especially with an underperforming outfield, their only roster segment lacking a 2024 All-Star.
Bellinger, who has the flexibility to opt out of his Cubs contract, brings an impressive résumé with accolades like an MVP award, Rookie of the Year, two Silver Slugger awards, and a Gold Glove. However, his recent performance has been inconsistent, making it hard for teams to predict his future output. But with his versatility in all three outfield spots and at first base, his market value remains strong. His 2024 stats show reliable defense and a .752 OPS across 130 games, where he struck out just 89 times.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden anticipates a four-year, $112 million deal for Bellinger, which aligns with the Phillies’ needs for a capable, balanced hitter with defensive consistency.
