Making the oft-criticized case for a reunion between the Cubs and Cody Bellinger

After Cody Bellinger's impressive season with the New York Yankees, a reunion with the Chicago Cubs could be the team's answer in replacing the outgoing Kyle Tucker in the middle of the lineup.

It's all but guaranteed that Tucker will depart for a new team in free agency, leaving the Cubs with a massive hole in the lineup and power department. Bellinger could solve many of the team's needs if they are willing to meet his contract, which is projected to be somewhere between $150-200 million this offseason.

Cody Bellinger is a better fit for the Cubs than you might initially think

His defense would be an upgrade

For starters, Bellinger is still an excellent defender in the outfield. Although he primarily played center field he was with the Cubs, Bellinger would be shifted to right in this scenario with Pete Crow-Armstrong firmly holding down the middle of the field. Seiya Suzuki would again be the primary designated hitter, a role he thrived in for much of last season.

And Bellinger would be a defensive upgrade in right over both Suzuki and Tucker. He still has well well-above-average range and arm strength, while also posting a respectable 12 defensive runs saved (11th among outfielders in 2025). Bellinger's presence in right would improve the Cubs' already elite defense, which won the team Gold Glove award in the National League last year.

This Cubs offense needs his bat

Bellinger is a steady presence with his left-handed bat. Last year with New York, the 30-year-old smacked 29 home runs, drove in 98, and slashed .272/.334/.480. Those numbers make Bellinger one of the few free agent options who can come close to potentially replacing Tucker's production in the lineup.

Bellinger crushes left-handed pitching

One of the unique aspects of Bellinger are his reverse splits against left-handed pitching. Last year, Bellinger had a .353 batting average against southpaws, with eight homers and 36 RBI. The Cubs can be comfortable with Bellinger finding success against all pitchers, giving them the lineup versatility they need from one of their top guys.

That's a luxury the Cubs simply won't have if they don't sign someone like Bellinger of Kyle Schwarber. Otherwise, they will be relying on rookie Owen Caissie to man right field and develop as a hitter in the majors. Caissie has found a lot of success as a power hitter in the minors, but there's no guarantee he will be a great hitter in MLB and the Cubs could avoid this gamble by signing Bellinger. They have the money to afford signing a bat and a move like this will increase their chances of returning to the playoffs in 2026.