Will Cody Bellinger's 2025 Struggles Lead To Contract Negotiations?

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Will Cody Bellinger's 2025 Struggles Lead to Tense Contract Negotiations?

Cody Bellinger's 2025 season hasn't unfolded as anyone, least of all himself, had hoped. The former MVP, now with the Chicago Cubs, is facing a critical juncture in his career, and his performance is casting a long shadow over upcoming contract negotiations. Will his struggles impact his earning potential, or can he turn things around before hitting the free agency market?

Bellinger's early career was a whirlwind of success. His 2019 season, where he won the NL MVP award with the Los Angeles Dodgers, cemented his place as one of baseball's brightest young stars. However, a series of injuries and inconsistent performance have plagued him since. His move to the Cubs was meant to be a fresh start, a chance to rediscover his form. But so far, 2025 hasn't delivered the hoped-for resurgence.

A Deeper Dive into Bellinger's 2025 Slump

Bellinger's struggles aren't subtle. His batting average is significantly below his career average, and his power numbers – once a hallmark of his game – are alarmingly low. While he's shown flashes of his old brilliance, the consistency simply isn't there. This inconsistency is a major concern for any team considering a long-term investment. Analysts are debating the causes, citing everything from lingering injury issues to adjustments made by opposing pitchers.

• Injury Concerns: Past injuries may be playing a significant role in his current struggles. The lingering effects of previous ailments could be impacting his swing mechanics and overall athleticism.
• Pitching Adjustments: Major League pitchers are constantly adapting, and Bellinger may be struggling to adjust to new approaches. He's facing more off-speed pitches and carefully-placed breaking balls, requiring him to refine his approach at the plate.
• Mental Game: The pressure of expectations and the weight of past disappointments can significantly impact a player's performance. Bellinger's mental game might be a factor in his inconsistent play.

These factors combine to paint a complex picture. Is it a matter of time before he rediscovers his form, or is this a sign of a more permanent decline?

The Impact on Contract Negotiations

Bellinger's performance in 2025 will undoubtedly have a significant impact on his upcoming contract negotiations. Teams will be closely scrutinizing his statistics and analyzing his overall performance. His agent will need to navigate a tricky situation, highlighting his past achievements while acknowledging his current struggles.

The Cubs, in particular, face a difficult decision. They invested in Bellinger hoping for a return to his MVP form. If he doesn't show substantial improvement, their willingness to offer a lucrative long-term contract will likely diminish. Other teams will be watching, assessing the risk versus reward of signing a player with such a volatile recent history.

What the Future Holds for Bellinger

The next few weeks and months will be crucial for Cody Bellinger. He needs to demonstrate a consistent improvement in his performance to significantly impact his market value. Can he regain his former glory? Only time will tell. This situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the high stakes involved in contract negotiations. This season could ultimately define the next chapter of his baseball career. The question remains: will he hit enough home runs – and show enough consistency – to earn a substantial contract? The answer could very well shape the landscape of the upcoming MLB free agency period.

What are your thoughts on Bellinger's future? Share your predictions in the comments below!