The Chicago Cubs have performed slightly better as of late. The team is now 59-62 and only five games back of the third and final National League Wild Card spot.
The team made moves to buy and sell at the trade deadline, keeping an eye on the future but not giving up fully on 2024.
Cody Bellinger is a name to watch, as he has an opt-out clause in his three-year, $80 million contract with the North Siders.
Jon Heyman predicted what might happen with the reigning NL Comeback Player of the Year.
"I think this is the one that will not opt out," Heyman said. "Obviously a terrific player, versatile guy, but I would say that he would stay."
Bellinger has performed well in 2024, but quite to the degree that he did in 2023 when he earned Comeback Player of the Year honors.
The veteran slugger is hitting .276, but has only hit 12 home runs, knocked in 45 runs, and posted a .762 OPS. Again, those aren't bad numbers, but he has experienced a bit of a drop-off from last year.
Heyman ultimately believes that this will lead to him opting in and not returning to the free agent market this coming winter.
This might be good news for the Cubs, meaning that they may not have to worry about signing Bellinger to another contract and will be able to give him another year to rebuild his value.
We'll see what he decides to do this winter.
More MLB: Major League Baseball insider slams Cubs for trade deadline moves
