MLB Insider provides major update on massive Chicago Cubs roster decision

The move that will define the Chicago Cubs' 2025 roster construction is whether or not Cody Bellinger will exercise his player opt-out clause after the 2024 season.

Most insiders have focused on this when discussing the Cubs' plans this offseason: Bellinger would earn $27.5MM in 2025 if he chooses to remain with the North Siders this winter.

While Bellinger has proven that his 2023 approach can be repeated, the issue is there has been a power regression. The power regression is one of the reasons why Jon Heyman predicted last week that Bellinger would be back with the Cubs in 2025.

Adding to Heyman's prediction, Bob Nightengale of USA Today seemed to take it a step further when emptying his notebook on Sunday.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, who’s in the first year of a three-year, $80 million contract, is fully expected to remain with the Cubs instead of opting out of his contract. He’ll be paid $27.5 million next year.

The only real case for Bellinger opting out of the deal is if the plan was to attribute his power regression this season to Wrigley Field being extremely pitcher-friendly this year. Otherwise, considering the drag that was his free agency process last winter, it would make sense for Bellinger to take the guaranteed $27.5MM with the hope that he can flash consistent power in 2025. If not, Bellinger does have the protection of another player option.

The likeliest Cubs' offseason move is the one they need the least.

The Cubs are in an odd situation. On the surface, a player like Bellinger is the type of player who would help the Cubs reach the postseason in 2025. The issue is that with a $27.5MM price tag and a roster that is already crowded, there may be more value for the Cubs if Bellinger did opt out. It gives the Cubs an easier path to adding a power bat this offseason.

Not to mention, the Cubs' outfield remains in a good spot considering the offensive success of Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki this season to go along with the ascension of Pete Crow-Armstrong's offensive approach in recent weeks. Even if the Cubs were planning on using Suzuki as a designated hitter, the team has Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara knocking on the door at Triple-A.

Bellinger's return makes it likely that the Cubs will have a similar offensive profile in 2025 to this season, the same offensive profile that left much to be desired during lengthy stretches of this season.