Amidst Scott Boras’ Firm Cody Bellinger Stance, Could the Cubs Risk It on a Former Phillies Star?

The North Side’s offseason is quickly heading south. The Chicago Cubs are the only team remaining in this offseason that is yet to make a deal. Though it’s not for lack of trying, as the Cubs were behind major stars, and are still after Cody Bellinger. But things are just not clicking for the Cubbies. So it’s no surprise they may have found a backup for their Bellinger pursuit.

While everyone knows that Scott Boras and the Cubs are going through a tense negotiation for Bellinger, there’s another one of his clients that the North Siders fancy. Could Rhys Hoskins be the one to open the Cubs’ account this season?

Cody Bellinger sweepstakes take a turn as Cubs find their backup

It’s increasingly looking like Boras and the Cubs are going to be intertwined for the rest of this offseason. Three of his clients are being targeted by the Cubs – Bellinger, Rhys Hoskins, and Matt Chapman. Bellinger remains the chief target and the one for whom the Cubs are in this intense staring contest with Boras. But an insider has indicated that Hoskins might be the backup for Bellinger.

Famous analyst Bruce Levine in his radio show Inside the Clubhouse hinted that the Cubs’ interest in Bellinger and Hoskin was a case of either-or. This means the team would only go for Hoskins if they fail to sign Bellinger. This is new information as until now it was believed that the Cubs were interested in both of these players separately. 

Hoskins missed the 2023 season due to a non-contact injury. Looking to return to his explosive 30 home runs form of 2022, he’d provide the Cubs with the thing they desperately need – a high-impact slugger. While Bellinger played this role with aplomb last season, Hoskins can fulfill most of Bellinger’s duties. The only drawback? Hoskins’ hitting average has not crossed .250 since his rookie year.

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Though the Phillies player might seem to be a perfect choice, he’s still a good option. Recently a top insider shared something that might have lit up the faces of Cubs fans.

The Chicago Cubs remain frontrunners for Cody Love

New York Post’s Jon Heyman recently called the Cubs as favorites to sign Bellinger. While there’s still massive competition from the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants, Bellinger’s apparent soft spot for Chi-Town may come to play a role in this deal.

But it remains to be seen, who blinks first in this staring contest between Boras and the Cubs. While it seems unlikely that the Cubs will shell out $300 million for Bellinger, it’s increasingly looking that a long-term deal could potentially go above $200 million. Would Chicago like it or will they try to find some creative short-term solution to stop their offseason from going completely off the rails?

Read more: As Cody Bellinger Tests Free Agency, Which Team Will Pull the Trigger First Amidst $300 Million Tension?