The Chicago Cubs are reportedly hoping to move one of their veteran sluggers this offseason, but some around MLB believe it won't be an easy task.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, "While rival executives say the [Cubs] want to trade first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, they also note the difficulty the team likely will face pulling off such a move."

As Rosenthal explained, Bellinger "secured a remaining guarantee of $32.5 million—$27.5 million in salary, $5 million in potential buyout—by choosing to remain with the Cubs rather than opt out." While a one-year deal for a veteran power-hitter is usually an ideal situation, the 29-year-old would have the opportunity to forego the buyout and opt in for another $27.5 million in 2026, potentially making a trade for him an expensive two-year commitment.

Bellinger, who began his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, has spent the last two years in Chicago and regained his form as a reliable hitter. After hitting under .220 in each of his last two seasons with the Dodgers, he had a resurgence in his first year with the Cubs by hitting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI in 130 games to earn the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award.

This past season, Bellinger again made 130 appearances and hit .266 with 18 homers and 78 RBI. The Cubs went 83-79 for the second straight year but extended their postseason drought to four consecutive seasons.

Bellinger would be a strong addition to the lineup for any contending team, but the financial commitment could make it shy away and leave him staying put in Chicago for the foreseeable future.