At $27.5 million, Cody Bellinger isn’t a realistic trade target for the Braves. While he had a decent season with the Cubs, hitting .266 with 18 home runs and a .751 OPS, his production doesn’t justify such a high salary.
If the Cubs are serious about moving the former NL MVP, they would likely need to absorb a significant portion of his contract—at least $7.5 million, and possibly closer to $10 million. With a reduced salary of around $20 million, Bellinger becomes a far more appealing option for the Braves, especially considering he would not require a substantial return in terms of prospects. This would make him a much more attractive target for Atlanta as they look to strengthen their roster while minimizing trade costs.
This trade scenario for Cody Bellinger essentially looks like a salary dump for the Cubs, and it’s difficult to see what else they could realistically expect in return. Since his MVP season in 2019, Bellinger has been marked by inconsistency, which makes his contract risky, especially given the $25 million player option for 2026. This option presents a lose-lose situation for any team acquiring him: if he performs well, he’ll opt out and seek a more lucrative deal in free agency, leaving the team with nothing. If he underperforms, he’ll opt in, and the acquiring team will be stuck paying $25 million for a declining player in 2026.
This risk alone could deter the Braves from even considering Bellinger. However, if the Cubs are willing to eat a significant portion of his salary—perhaps at least $10 million—the trade might be worth the gamble. At just 29 years old, Bellinger is still relatively young and coming off a solid 2023 season where he finished 10th in the NL MVP race and posted a 4.4 WAR.
The idea of adding a player of his caliber to the Braves’ already potent lineup is intriguing, but the key factor is how much salary the Cubs are willing to cover. If the Cubs absorb a substantial portion of Bellinger’s remaining contract, it could be a worthwhile risk for the Braves, especially with their championship window wide open.
