Cody Bellinger to DH? Creative Blue Jays Move to Add Former NL MVP Amidst Crowded Outfield

The offseason is officially at a stage where teams are going balls to the wall, hoping that something sticks. While the trade market is getting robust, the free agency market has one massive name left in it – Cody Bellinger. As of now, the Chicago Cubs look much ahead of the rest, but it looks like the Toronto Blue Jays are about to get highly creative in their endeavor for Cody Love. 

Bellinger has always been a good defensive player. Even during his terrible hitting seasons, Bellinger’s defensive prowess remained. But now that he’s back to his hitting best, could the Blue Jays be looking to avoid a chance of injury by offering Bellinger a DH deal? This could mean a reduced contract value. Will Scott Boras accept such a deal?

‘DH’ Cody Bellinger – A creative solution or an unnecessary overthinking?

Jaysjournal recently posted a list of top-hitting targets for the Blue Jays. The top name on that list was Cody Bellinger. But there they added a rather interesting idea “They will need to convince Bellinger to take on a lesser contract by becoming their primary DH for the foreseeable future.” This is an interesting conundrum, as Bellinger’s defense is his strong suit. 

The long injury list of Bellinger makes this a logical worry. Playing just as a Designated Hitter could benefit him in the long run. With less pressure on his body, he’d be able to focus more on his hitting and that’s exactly what the Blue Jays need him for. Their defense is good with Kevin Kiermaier being an able outfielder. The team struggles with creating RBIs and this is where Bellinger shone last season.

Bellinger had an average of .323 and a .898 OPS while having 71 RBI during situations where there were runners on the base. The Blue Birds struggled immensely in these exact situations last year, so just a DH offer looks logical for them. But a DH offer would reduce Bellinger’s contract value, something that doesn’t suit Bellinger or his agent Boras.

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Also, at just 28, he’s still young enough to play defense for a few more seasons. Abruptly ending that streak and securing a more modest contract in return? That appears improbable. Especially as other teams might be more than ready to play him in the defense.

Scott Boras’ dilemma regarding Cody Love

Scott Boras is reportedly demanding $300 million for his Bellinger. But it’s increasingly looking like the teams are hesitant to meet that number. But with the free agency still stretching, it’s looking like Boras is playing hardball with all the suitors. While Bellinger’s records have been great, teams still see him as a risky bet.

Perhaps that’s why the DH talk sounds so unlikely. The duo has held on for so long on their expected value that reducing it now to get a DH contract doesn’t make much sense. But stranger things have been happening in the MLB sphere, so one never knows. 

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