The following information about Cody Bellinger’s current free agency was first published on NBC Sports Chicago.
This winter’s MLB free agency is proceeding slowly, and Cubs free agent Cody Bellinger has been virtually silent.
The main conversation over the summer was about when Shohei Ohtani’s contract would be signed. The others will follow suit like dominoes after he makes his agreement. However, not everyone has experienced that, including Cody Bellinger.
The main conversation over the summer was about when Shohei Ohtani’s contract would be signed. The others will follow suit like dominoes after he makes his agreement. However, not everyone has experienced that, including Cody Bellinger.
What is the current situation regarding Bellinger’s impending free agency? This is all that we currently know.
Without a doubt, Bellinger’s market has contracted (see the following point for more). Aside from a fair $53 million, four-year contract for Shōta Imanaga, the Cubs haven’t made any significant acquisitions.
The Cubs haven’t made any major acquisitions in free agency save the Japanese starting pitcher. Having said that, they have been associated with multiple names. Bob Nightengale ventured to predict that the Cubs will rank among the more “aggressive” teams in the free agency market this winter.
Nevertheless, another source claims that the Cubs are the clear favourites to re-sign Bellinger this offseason.
During a Bleacher Report webcast in late December, Jon Heyman stated, “I think the Cubs have to be the favourite right now.” “The Yankees will not be allowed in. You know, the [Blue] Jays have a history. I still have hope that they might succeed. I continue to believe that the Giants might succeed. He could be useful to several teams. The Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Mets might all benefit from his assistance.”
As was previously said, Bellinger’s market has shrunk as other teams keep adding high-profile players.
For instance, the New York Yankees, who were formerly considered as a potential contender for Bellinger, strengthened their outfield by acquiring Juan Soto. Additionally, they have Anthony Rizzo at first base, which makes Bellinger’s signing less likely.
By signing Kevin Kiermaier, the Toronto Blue Jays secured their outfield spot. Kiermaier, George Springer, and Daulton Varsho are their current outfielders. Additionally, Bellinger’s chances of signing with the Blue Jays have diminished with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base.
The San Francisco Giants, what about them? They acquired Jung Hoo Lee, a celebrity in Korea. Furthermore, it doesn’t seem likely that Bellinger will wind up at first base with Lamonte Wade Jr., Luis Matos, and Michael Conforto in the outfield.
