One of the Chicago Cubs' big moves last offseason was the re-signing of slugger Cody Bellinger.

After winning the MVP award with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, he was never able to achieve that form again. His numbers declined sharply over the next three seasons, but the Cubs decided to move on from him as a free agent.

In the end, it was an incredible move.

Bellinger returned to form with a .307/.356/.525 slash line with 26 home runs and 97 RBI in the middle of the team's lineup in 2023. Chicago brought him back on a three-year, $80 million contract that includes options for 2025 and 2026.

It's a deal that Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller doesn't rate particularly highly in his reassessment of the biggest free agency deals. He gave the deal an “S” grade because his numbers weren’t bad, but they weren’t great either.

“Belly's ROI wasn't on the level of what Bryce Harper and Trea Turner brought the Phillies on near-identical salaries, but it was a lot better than what Jordan Montgomery, Kris Bryant and Javier Báez got at similar prices.” .. Be that as it may, Bellinger has slightly improved the poor hard-hit rate, which was seen by everyone after last season as a warning sign of impending regression. However, he was still well below league average and well below his previous career marks.”

There was a feeling last offseason that the Cubs needed to bring Bellinger back.

They didn't expect to receive as much support as they did in center field and first base, his two primary positions.

But Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged as a Gold Glove candidate at center with excellent defense and his bat came to life in the second half of the season after a brutal start. At corner, Michael Busch thrived with extended playing time in his first season after moving from the Dodgers.

Unfortunately, things are changing and Chicago finds itself in a difficult position.

Some MLB insiders believe the Cubs are secretly hoping that Bellinger opts out of re-entering the free agent market. His numbers in 2024 are down compared to 2023, and if he leaves it will open up spending elsewhere.

It would also create a hole in the middle of their lineup, but they would have enough money to at least fix that and fill other holes on the roster, such as the pitching staff.