On Friday, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal and broadcaster Alanna Rizzo discussed the Chicago Cubs’ relatively quiet offseason. They particularly spoke about the team’s lack of urge to spend on some of the top free agents available. After an average 2024 season, the Cubs have an opportunity to seize control of the division; they finished third in the NL Central with an 83-79 record, missing out on the playoffs. Rosenthal pointed out that this is a prime moment for them to make a significant move.

The Cubs have the resources at their disposal; however, despite the potential to capitalize on a weaker division, it seems like the 2016 World Series champions could let this opportunity pass them by. This approach also raises concerns about whether the team is missing their chance to reassert themselves as contenders in the National League. On November 29’s edition of Fair Territory, Ken Rosenthal didn’t hold back, naming Cubs ownership the “Dork of the Week” for their lack of aggression in the offseason.

“All we’re hearing out of Chicago, the North Side is ‘we’re not going to be involved in any of the big free agents,” Rosenthal said, expressing his frustration with the Cubs’ approach. Rosenthal further highlighted the Cubs’ missed opportunity, especially in a division that’s ripe for the taking. “The Cubs have an opportunity here to maybe seize control of this division, and they are squandering it,” he added.  

He compared their stance to that of the Boston Red Sox, who have finally started to act like a big-market team after years of being silent. “The Red Sox, after sleepwalking through the past few off-seasons, have finally arisen… and they’re acting like a big-market team should,” he noted, contrasting their resurgence with the Cubs’ reluctance to make bold moves. He pointed to the weaker competition in the NL Central. However, Rosenthal made it clear that unless the Cubs take advantage of this window, their chances of emerging as a division powerhouse could slip away. 

The trade market for former MVP Cody Bellinger

The Chicago Cubs are offering the MVP to ‘anyone and everyone’ but have yet to find any serious takers, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. One general manager pointed to Bellinger’s hefty contract as the primary obstacle to a deal, saying, “Come on, who’s going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production.” Cody Bellinger won the National League MVP in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but has struggled to consistently produce at that level in recent years.

That makes his contract tough to digest. Bellinger is set to earn $25 million in 2025 and could earn another $25 million in 2026 or opt for a $5 million buyout. After exercising his 2025 player option earlier in November, Cody Bellinger is guaranteed $32.5 million over the next two seasons. That is a significant commitment for a player whose recent performance doesn’t match the price tag. As a result, despite his past success, many teams seem reluctant to take on the risk of his contract, leaving the Cubs in a difficult position as they try to move him.

The Chicago Cubs missed the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. Moving Cody Bellinger seems to be one of their priorities this offseason. While Bellinger’s past MVP credentials are undeniable, his recent performance and hefty contract have made him difficult to trade. If the Cubs want to find a deal, they’ll likely need to take on some of Bellinger’s contract to make him a more appealing option for potential suitors. If Chicago can get creative with the contract, they might still find a landing spot for Bellinger.