If Cody Bellinger opts for free agency, as Jed Hoyer suggested the Chicago Cubs believe he will, they must evaluate how to fill his departure.

When we signed the deal in late February, if he had a good year, we knew he’d have a lot of options,” Hoyer said.

Unless chairman Tom Ricketts puts an extension offer under his president’s nose — and why would he? — Hoyer will have only one year left on his contract to deliver on his “next great Cubs team” promises.

Jed Hoyer is not committing to anything and that will drive fans of the Chicago Cubs crazy. During media availability on Tuesday, the Cubs' general manager was asked about upgrading his roster and how he planned to improve upon an 83-79 record and a third place finish in the National League Central.

Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer held his end-of-season press conference Tuesday, revealing his feelings after the team missed the postseason.

The Cubs bullpen ranked 12th in MLB with a 3.83 ERA for the season, but much of that success came later in the season. At the end of June, the Cubs bullpen had a 4.32 ERA, which at the time ranked 21st in the league.