Sometimes it takes only one mistake to jump ahead of someone else. As of now, the Chicago Cubs are the ones that are leading the Cody Bellinger sweepstakes. They’ve been on top for months but haven’t pushed through the deal yet. Could this be their undoing? Especially as, no matter how it looks, some teams would love to have their hands on the former MVP.

Up till now, Bellinger’s free agency has revolved around familiar names: the Chicago Cubs, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the San Francisco Giants. However, a few teams could enter the race if the situation is right. That could be an alarming sign for the Cubs, especially as one of them is their direct rival.

Could Cody Bellinger see three late entries in his free agency?

Justin Girshon of FanSided recently posted a list of three plausible suitors for Cody Bellinger. These teams haven’t been mentioned by most experts. However, looking a little deeply, one can understand why they’d want to go for Cody Bellinger.

1. Seattle Mariners 

The Seattle Mariners have a huge hole in their outfield positions. Last season, apart from Julio Rodriguez, the rest of The Sailors’ outfielders left a lot to be desired. With the likes of Teoscar Hernandez and Jared Kelenic either underperforming or getting injured, the Mariners’ outfield became a major cause of worry. 

The team has done a few trades to improve their outfield, but one can’t help but imagine how Bellinger could prove to be a boon to the Mariners. In a division where the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros are excelling, the Mariners need to do something major if they want to remain competitive with them. Payroll to Taxation space – $96.2 million (via Spotrac)

2. Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals gave a huge – 11-year, $288.7 million deal to Bobby Witt Jr. This wasn’t the only deal they’ve done this offseason. The Royals were one of the most prolific teams during winter. All of this indicates that they’re currently in a championship window. But they’re still not as strong as they’d like to be. Bellinger could change that. 

The Royals are building a winning team around Witt Jr. but their outfield doesn’t inspire much confidence. A star player like Belli could boost their chances, especially as the AL Central isn’t in the strongest of positions. Can the original underdogs pull off the miracle of 2015 again? Payroll to Taxation space – $86.7 million.

Read more: MLB Updates: Cody Bellinger Set to Explore Free Agency Options? Cubs Stalemate Continues Amidst Spring Training

3. Cincinnati Reds

This is where things get interesting for Bellinger and the Cubs. The Cincinnati Reds are the direct rivals of the North Siders in NL Central. Both these teams are on a similar trajectory right now – trying to follow up on a game-changing 2023. The Reds have a hoard of talent in their roster and look set for a long, prosperous future. So what if they add Cody Bellinger to the mix? 

That would be a terrifying outcome for the Cubbies. Suddenly the Reds might eclipse their story and go on to be everything that the Cubs could’ve been. Would the Chi-Town squad want that? Payroll to Taxation space – $132.5 million.

Read more: Chicago Cubs Eye Cody Bellinger Backup Plan? Exploring Alternative Offensive Options Amidst Scott Boras Stalemate

So it looks like the Cody Bellinger sweepstakes can still spring a few surprises. With February almost at its end, one wonders how long this story will go on.