Cubs’ Cody Bellinger Deal in Trouble? Blue Jays and Angels Links Grow Amid Prolonged Negotiations

Despite what it looks like, make no mistake: Cody Bellinger has many suitors. It’s just that the silence of the night has made it difficult to see the shadows lurking through the walls. While the Chicago Cubs are in the driver’s seat, things could change at any time. Especially as we’re at the home stretch of this great story. With the Toronto Blue Jays, LA Angels, and Philadelphia Phillies in the mix, what is the endgame here?

The $200 million asking price paled many faces. However, as spring training is nearing, the desperation is taking its toll. Scott Boras has always been the master of late deals, and this time is no different. The question isn’t about whether Boras can get a deal for his client; the question is: who will be the one who wins in the end?

The wide field for Cody Bellinger, a dream scenario for Boras

Until a few weeks ago, there were genuine worries about Bellinger’s free agency. Things were quiet, and the Cubs were in firm control. Was Boras losing his magic touch? But then the free agency stretched past February, and the plot began changing. Suddenly, there were hints of competition, and that worried the North Side fans.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan declared that the Blue Jays have a deeper need for Bellinger. In a way, signaling that they had more reasons to invest heavily in the slugger. This was enough to turn many heads, who wondered whether the Jays were about to rewrite their story after a failed Shohei Ohtani pursuit. But then there came another report.

This time it was MLB Network’s Jon Morosi and Mark Feinsand, who not only thought that the Cubs would get Bellinger but considered that to be the only suitable outcome. The history between Cody Love and the Cubbies could play a major role in this connection. So can the fact that the Cubbies don’t have an experienced hitter to cover for Bellinger if he signs elsewhere.

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Then USA Today’s Bob Nightengale shared that the Phillies were interested in Belli as well. Then some reports emerged that linked the Angels with Bellinger as well. However, all of these links hinge on one important condition: a lower asking price.

The final stretch, a chance for Boras’ magic

This is where Scott Boras shines the most. However, there’s a growing consensus that he might have to lower the price of Bellinger. But everything has pointed to his not being ready to take that step. If one knows anything about Boras, it’s that he doesn’t blink first. Spring training is only going to make teams more nervous; that has always been the case.

Read more: Cody Bellinger to Cubs Still a Perfect Fit? North Siders Hold Top Spot Despite Blue Jays’ Strong Interest

Could it happen again? Maybe it can. But despite all of this interest, the Cubs have remained in the driver’s seat. The history is too hard to ignore, and so is the fact that they’ve remained in contact despite not finding a middle ground for so long. Certainly, that counts for something.