According to MLB Insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays remain possibilities for free agent slugger Cody Bellinger.
According to Nightengale:
In the event that Cody Bellinger does not return to the Chicago Cubs, the Seattle Mariners and Blue Jays are potential contenders.
Here are some things to look at…
1) Bellinger is a superb athlete who just finished a fantastic season. It makes sense that he is looking for a huge deal, perhaps for more than $200 million, but he hasn’t found it yet.
In 2023, as he hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI for the Cubs – in just 130 games.
Bellinger, who hit 47 home runs for the Dodgers in 2019 and won the National League MVP award, struggled greatly from 2020 to 2022 due to injuries and subpar play. Because of this, he was not tendered by LA and signed a one-year contract with the Cubs.
Perhaps Bellinger’s inconsistent past is what scares some clubs away from him.
2) The Cubs may want Bellinger back, but it’s uncertain if they’re ready to commit to another huge contract after spending so much money on Shota Imanaga and paying players like Dansby Swanson a lot of money already.
Less than a month ago, the Blue Jays were the clear favourite for Bellinger, but the fit is still unclear. Would the team employ a four-man outfielder/designated hitter rotation given that they now have three outfielders (Daulton Varsho, George Springer, and Kevin Kiemeraier)? They have reportedly expressed interest in Jorge Soler, which has prompted the same queries.
4) The Mariners are linked to Soler this offseason and could really utilise Bellinger. However, it’s difficult to see the team signing Bellinger this offseason given their precarious financial situation, unless it’s for a one-year or two-year contract with an opt-out.
The Chicago Cubs are now trying to complete a few holes in their starting lineup. How would it appear on Opening Day? Defensive wizard Matt Chapman might deliver a 30-home run bat in the middle of the lineup in addition to solidifying the hot corner position. They might even try signing a different slugger to play first base.
