5 Cubs on Thin Ice After Missing Postseason 4th Year In A Row

4. Cody Bellinger

Bellinger kept Cubs fans on their toes when he delayed re-signing until the end of the offseason, but his 2024 did not quite live up to the numbers he put up in 2023.

The former National League MVP joined the Cubs after the two worst seasons of his career with the Dodgers and proceeded to shock the league, winning a Silver Slugger award and leading the Cubs in home runs (26), batting average (.307) and OPS (.881).

Bellinger's numbers were decent in 2024 (.266/.325/.426), albeit a big fall-off from last season and not nearly good enough to justify being the ninth-highest-paid player in the NL.

The 29-year-old is signed through 2024 but his contract has a player option for 2025 and 2026, meaning it will be up to Bellinger to decide whether he wants to stay with the Cubs. Recent reports have also surprisingly linked him to the Blue Jays, which could trigger more offseason moves for the Cubs.

5. Miguel Amaya

Like Swanson, Amaya's season was a tale of two halves.

The former top prospect embraced his new role as the primary catcher this season with the decline and eventual release of veteran Yan Gomes. However, he struggled massively at the plate before the All-Star break, hitting just .201 with a .554 OPS.

Amaya also grappled with some defensive downfalls behind the plate, allowing the fourth-most passed balls (6) and fourth-most stolen bases (78) among NL catchers.

Amaya made notable offensive adjustments after his dismal first half, including eliminating the leg kick in his batting stance. As a result, the 25-year-old Panamanian became a different player - he emerged as one of the Cubs' main offensive weapons in their second-half surge, hitting .271 with 39 hits and 29 RBI.

Despite his improvements, Amaya has largely been a below-average catcher for the Cubs, and his starting spot could be in danger with the imminent arrival of the team's No. 4 prospect Moises Ballesteros.

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