MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Set to Rejoin Cody Bellinger Sweepstakes After Latest Off-Season Addition?

The Toronto Blue Jays sent shockwaves through the MLB offseason by reeling in veteran slugger Justin Turner. But did they quench their thirst for offensive firepower, or is there another big fish still on their radar? Enter Cody Bellinger, the former MVP whose free agency has dragged on longer than a Canadian winter. So, will the Blue Jays rejoin the Bellinger sweepstakes after landing Turner?

On the surface, the Blue Jays seem to have addressed their need for pop with Turner. The 38-year-old brings a proven track record of clutch hitting and veteran leadership. But let’s be honest, Turner’s not exactly a spring chicken. Bellinger, on the other hand, is a 28-year-old enigma, a potential superstar with tantalizing talent but a recent track record riddled with injuries and inconsistency. So, why revisit Bellinger when they already have Turner?

Blue Jays: Diving back into the Cody Bellinger pool after Turner splash?

FanSided throws the curveball: Bellinger brings something Turner can’t—left-handed power. The Blue Jays’ lineup currently leans heavily on righties, and Bellinger’s bat would provide a much-needed dose of balance. Remember that monstrous 2019 season where he slugged 47 bombs and took home the MVP trophy? Yeah, that kind of lefty power is music to Toronto’s ears. But there’s a catch, and it’s a big one.

Bellinger’s asking price—nearly $200 million—is enough to make even the richest uncle wince. His recent performance, while impressive in 2023, doesn’t exactly inspire total confidence. Predictive models paint concerning a picture of a potential decline. So, is Bellinger a diamond in the rough or a ticking time bomb?

The Blue Jays have the financial muscle to make a play for Bellinger, and the Cubs’ reluctance to meet his asking price opens the door for a swoop. But the decision hinges on a crucial question: do they believe in the 2023 Cody Bellinger or the injury-plagued versions of the past two years?

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This is where the Blue Jays front office needs to channel their inner psychics. If they gamble on Bellinger’s peak translating into long-term production, the reward could be a potent lineup that strikes fear into the hearts of AL East rivals. But if they whiff, well, let’s just say the financial hangover could be worse than the mess left by a maple syrup bender.

The Bellinger saga continues, and the Blue Jays are right in the thick of it. Will they take the plunge and reunite Bellinger with his 2019 magic? Or will they play it safe and focus on integrating Turner into the fold? Or will Cody Love choose to douse any hopes of a probable Blue Jays mashup—and side for another team whom he could be a better fit with? 

Bellinger’s Baseball Odyssey: Reunion in Chicago or Curveball Elsewhere?

Cody Bellinger’s free agency saga is turning into a Hollywood thriller, leaving baseball fans on the edge of their seats. While experts like Bob Nightengale of USA Today see a “perfect marriage” with the Chicago Cubs, the plot thickens with reports of a hefty asking price and teams like the Blue Jays lurking. So, where will Bellinger’s bat land, and why is this wait longer than a Chicago winter?

The Cubs seem like a natural fit. As Gabe Lacques from USA Today points out, their lack of “thump” at Bellinger’s positions and his MVP potential to make a reunion enticing. But the asking price conundrum looms heavy. Remember 2021’s “OPS of .542”? Teams are wary of a potential bust.

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Forbes throws another curveball: Cody Bellinger’s camp might be playing the waiting game. With other big names like Matt Chapman and Jorge Soler unsigned and Spring Training approaching, patience could be their best play. Anxious teams nearing the deadline might just loosen their purse strings.

So, what does this mean for Bellinger? The Cubs remain the frontrunners, but their “mid-market mentality” might not match his demands. Other teams, like the aforementioned Blue Jays, could offer a fresh start with a different price tag. Ultimately, Bellinger’s decision will hinge on who blinks first—a team desperate for his power or his agent willing to budge on the price.