A majority of what will happen off-season for the Chicago Cubs rested on Cody Bellinger. Because whether he chose to stay in Chicago or enter free agency again was a major topic. But now we have our answer—Bellinger is staying put. He has decided not to test the free agency waters and pick up his player option for the 2025 option as per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

However, given the inconsistency in performance Bellinger has shown over the years, he has made a financially responsible decision. But well, that’s only for him! Because, if one looks at a broader perspective, his choosing to bypass the situation now has essentially eliminated the picture of Juan Soto from making it to the team. And Cubs were within the top three teams interested in the player. For insider Mick Gillispie, this isn’t good news!

Mick Gillispie thinks Juan Soto is the missing link for Cubs 2025 dreams

Cody Bellinger chose to stay with the Chicago Cubs for the past seasons, even after the team’s near miss from the playoffs in 2023 and a rather underwhelming 2024 finish. But reflecting back on the season, he had highlighted his interest in staying with the team earlier. “I definitely see the potential. I see the potential in this clubhouse and with Counsell, the coaching staff, and the talent we have. And I think the understanding of what it takes to win is definitely there,” said Cody Bellinger.

But Juan Soto’s entry to the team now remains a dud. But most want him to be in the Cubs, like insider Mickey Gillispie. Mick in his podcast said, “They [the Cubs] might lose Cody Bellinger, but Cody Bellinger isn’t on the Juan Soto level. Sorry, I know he’s a former MVP, but Juan Soto has consistently shown that he’s one of baseball’s, some might say, one of baseball’s best three or four players.” According to the insider, every team has a star player, and the Cubs need that star power, so Soto would be a perfect add-on. According to Gillispie, Juan Soto could be the missing link to making the Cubs into a serious championship-contesting team. Well, he isn’t wrong!

Can the Chicago Cubs go for Juan Soto?

Juan Soto is a strong player, and most importantly, he is young and fit. Plus, he has won a World Series with the Nationals and also has experience with the Yankees and the Padres. This makes him a hot commodity in the free-agent market. And some even believe that given the hype and craze around Soto, a 600+ million mark wouldn’t be farfetched, or it could even touch Shohei Ohtani’s!

Also, there are bigger teams out to get Soto. From the Yankees trying to retain them to another New York team trying to fish him out, it won’t be easy for the Cubs. But Cubs sure can afford it, plus they have one advantage that Gillispie pointed out. “Chicago is a better city than New York.” Well, not sure about the city being the deciding factor though! However, Jed Hoyer, according to the insider, seems to be interested in adding Soto to the roster and powering up their 2025 dreams.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto himself is open for every team to try to clinch him, according to the latest reports. So the game is definitely on. Do you think Soto could be the face of the Chicago Cubs? Let us know in the comments.