{"id":537426,"date":"2026-01-25T09:39:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T09:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/537426\/"},"modified":"2026-01-25T09:39:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T09:39:15","slug":"cubs-insider-reveals-teams-preference-in-star-outfielder-pursuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/537426\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs Insider Reveals Team’s Preference In Star Outfielder Pursuit"},"content":{"rendered":"

All along, there has been hope that the Chicago Cubs <\/a>could find a way to reunite with their star free-agent outfielder. <\/p>\n

There could be \u2014 but it\u2019s not the one everyone is thinking of. <\/p>\n

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score told the Mully and Haugh Morning Show<\/a> that the Cubs do favor a reunion with a former star outfielder. But there are options and Chicago prefers Cody Bellinger over Kyle Tucker. <\/p>\n

But, when it comes to Bellinger, there\u2019s an issue, Levine said. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna cost you some money because there\u2019s a bidding war going on for him right now.”<\/p>\n

So why Bellinger and not Tucker? There could be a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n

\"Cody<\/p>\n

Cody Bellinger | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Why Chicago Cubs Might Favor Cody Bellinger<\/p>\n

Levine is right about the bidding war. Now with the New York Yankees, The Cubs want Bellinger back in 2026, and per The Athletic<\/a> (subscription required) they have offered him several contracts, with the latest getting him a deal with an average annual value of $30 million. That puts Bellinger at the level of both Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and Baltimore first baseman Pete Alonso. <\/p>\n

One reason why Chicago might favor Bellinger is cost. While $30 million per year is high, the belief is that Tucker is driving toward a deal with a higher average annual value. There are no published reports on any financials of a Tucker offer, but earlier this offseason MLB Trade Rumors projected<\/a> Tucker for a $400 million deal with an AAV of $36.3 million.<\/p>\n

The other might be versatility. Tucker is confined to right field and designated hitter. When Bellinger played for the Cubs, he was primarily a center fielder. But Pete Crow-Armstrong now holds that position, and allowing Bellinger to leave in free agency was, in part, to let Crow-Armstrong grow. He was an All-Star last year. <\/p>\n

\"Pete<\/p>\n

Pete Crow-Armstrong | Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Bellinger can play first base and can work at designated hitter. He can also take center field on days when Crow-Armstrong needs a break. He\u2019s also played left field and right field, so he fits into a potential rotation with Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki. <\/p>\n

Signing with Chicago as a free agent before the 2023 season allowed Bellinger to resurrect his career after two injury-marred seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which led to him being non-tendered. He was the 2023 NL comeback player of the year, and in two seasons with the Cubs, he slashed .286\/.340\/.475 with 44 home runs and 175 RBI. <\/p>\n

With the Yankees last season, he slashed .272\/.334\/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI. <\/p>\n

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