The New York Yankees appeared to be Cody Bellinger’s most likely MLB free agency destination going into the MLB offseason. Bellinger was the ideal fit for the Yankees, who needed outfield assistance, and they had been connected to him before the 2023 trade deadline. Bellinger’s perspective on free agency, though, has changed significantly.
With the trade acquisition of Juan Soto, Bellinger is no longer as necessary for New York. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Chicago Cubs, who signed Bellinger for the 2023 season, have emerged as the front-runners to win the outfielder’s contract in free agency.
According to B/R Walk-Off, Heyman stated, “I think the Cubs have to be the favourite right now.” “Keep the Yankees out. The Jays have accomplished a few things, so I still have faith in them to succeed. However, it seems to me that the Cubs haven’t taken any action aside from the management. Is it truly expected of a new boss that they do nothing after hiring them? We also know that they are considering taking offence.
Heyman not only declared the Cubs the front-runners, but he also disqualified the Yankees from the Bellinger sweepstakes. The Toronto Blue Jays could still sign Bellinger, he said, even though they had just signed Kevin Kiermaier.
However, it seems that as Cody Bellinger’s free agency rolls on, the Cubs are the team to keep an eye on.