Amidst Cubs’ Cody Bellinger Pursuit, What Other Teams Are Interested in the Star Outfielder?

One club that has consistently been associated with Cody ‘Belli’ Bellinger is the Chicago Cubs. While they might be the frontrunners, Bellinger’s free agency saga has grown hotter with more teams lining up. The former NL MVP’s spectacular comeback has these teams caught up in a bidding war. Who are these contenders, though? 

While each suitor is making a unique offering, so that Belli suits up in their jersey colors, there are some roadblocks. If these roadblocks are navigated once, they would make for a great deal for Cody Bellinger. The Toronto Blue Jays and the San Francisco Giants, among others apart from the Cubs, are leading the pack. 

Cody Bellinger’s Bidding War Heats Up with Blue Jays, Giants in the Mix

The Chicago Cubs – First of all, familiarity is always a favorite. That said, the Windy City does hold a certain sentimental advantage. It is no secret that Bellinger thrived in Chicago last year, earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award. Well, the passionate fanbase and existing connections would be powerful persuaders, particularly if the financial gap narrows. This brings up the next potential club Bellinger could land.

The Toronto Blue Jays – This is a team that boasts a powerhouse lineup and great postseason aspirations. Despite their signing Kevin Kiermaier, the Blue Jays are still in need of a potent left-handed bat. This is where Bellinger’s presence would propel their already formidable lineup. As a result, it would enhance their World Series aspirations. However, certain financial constraints and a crowded outfield picture might appear challenging. This is where San Francisco comes into the picture. 

The San Francisco Giants: They have a decent financial muscle and with it, bring a chance to shine. The Giants boast the financial resources to accommodate Bellinger’s huge price tag, i.e. north of $200 million. If the Giants do bag Bellinger, they’d add him to an outfield featuring Mike Yastrzemski and Jung Hoo Lee could create an intimidating force. But if they were to land other names like Blake Snell and Matt Chapman, their pursuit of Belli would become complicated. 

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Despite the Other Teams Chasing Him, Would He Stick With the Chicago Cubs?

There is an intriguing ‘asking price’ factor to consider and his agent, Scott Boras, is not one to be flexible. Ultimately, the decision hinges on what teams are willing to pay and how much Bellinger’s asking price is. His tag is rumored to be placed at the north of $200 million. Only if any team, apart from his former team, the Cubs, agree to meet his demands and offer a compelling vision, will the race shift dramatically. But this has to happen soon; time is running out. 

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

With Spring Training approaching, ‘Belli’ holds the cards. Whether he returns to the cushy familiar embrace of the Cubs, or joins the Blue Jays’ offensive bandwagon, or takes a chance on the Giants’ juggernaut rotation, one thing is certain. His decision will significantly impact the landscape of many MLB teams in 2024, as has his free agency.