AL East Squad Emerging as ‘Favorite’ for Former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger, Per Report
Former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger is one of the better position players left in free agency. Despite his talent, his market might be limited.
After a resurgent 2023 season, Bellinger is looking for a hefty payday on the open market. With MLB super-agent Scott Boras representing him, Bellinger is likely to hold out for the kind of deal he believes he deserves.
There was some talk about a reunion between the Dodgers and Bellinger, but the Dodgers’ willingness to pay the price was dwarfed by their need for starting pitching. For a time, many believed the outfielder was a good bet to join the New York Yankees. After they traded for Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, the Yankees also faded from the forefront of the Bellinger derby.
Now, another American League East team appears to be in the lead to sign Bellinger. Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported the Toronto Blue Jays are emerging as the favorites to land Bellinger this offseason.
“The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as the favorite for Cody Bellinger with the Cubs still in the hunt.”
Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today
It would make sense for the Blue Jays to go after Bellinger considering the moves some of their division rivals have made this offseason. Bellinger would give Toronto a powerful left-handed bat — a riposte to the Yankees’ acquisition of Soto — and a strong defender in the field.
Bellinger hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in with the Chicago Cubs last season. He seemed to thrive hitting in Wrigley Field, so a return to Chicago might hold strong appeal.
In a dramatic career turnaround, Bellinger was the engine that drove the Cubs’ offense in 2023. He helped them stay in the playoff hunt right until the last few games of the year. If he were to sign a long-term contract to remain in Chicago, he would become one of the most beloved players in recent memory among Cubs fans.
The 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year has at least a couple strong options. In Toronto or Chicago, Bellinger will be getting paid and playing for a competitive team. After several down years in Los Angeles followed by a stunning bounceback, Bellinger will more than deserve the next contract he signs.
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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