Is Cody Bellinger the Chicago Cubs’ Top Target, as Shohei Ohtani’s Sweepstakes See Changing Tides?

There is no denying that the offseason hasn’t kick started yet. It could be because of Shohei Ohtani’s sweepstakes or with nearly every team focusing on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. As a result, even the biggest of names like Cody Bellinger aren’t getting attention. But it seems with the recent reports of Ohtani’s stronger links with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, other teams have started looking elsewhere.

Even though the Chicago Cubs helped Bellinger have a great comeback last year, they were surprisingly not linked with each other. High costs coupled with Scott Boras looking for the highest deal for his client led to the Cubs cooling on Cody Love. Another reason was their pursuit of Ohtani, but things could be changing soon.

The Cubs could go after Cody Bellinger provided things go in their favor

Initially, there was much noise that the North Siders were ahead in the race for Shotime. With their deep history and recent upward trajectory, they seemed to have a decent chance. Fans even built a connection with the Cubs when they found out that his dog’s name could be Malört (the name of a popular liquor brand in Chicago).

But recently strong links appeared with the Blue Jays and the Dodgers. While this disappointed the fans, the North Siders seemed quick to change course. The Athletic recently reported that Jed Hoyer, the President of baseball operations of the Cubs, recently commented on their relationship with Bellinger. Hoyer indicated how both of them have a good impression of each other.

“I wouldn’t talk about that, but we have a good relationship. We were texting the other day about his (comeback player of the year) award. He’s got nothing but positive thoughts about the organization. We have nothing but positive thoughts about him.” Hoyer said. While this isn’t a confirmation of their pursuit, they seem interested.

Read more: Will the New York Yankees Seal a Cody Bellinger Deal After the Blockbuster Juan Soto Trade?

The 2019 MVP has been through a rollercoaster. After a tumultuous 2021 and 2022, he made a roaring comeback in 2023. Still, teams doubt his long-term potential. This gives the Little Bears a unique opportunity.

Cubbies’ wait-and-watch strategy could work

There is no denying that the New York Yankees’ trading Juan Soto could’ve hampered Bellinger’s free agency talks a little. The Bronx Bombers needed a lefty outfielder, and they chose to have one year of Soto over many years of Bellinger. Incidentally, they aren’t alone in this regard. Teams are still not convinced about Bellinger’s comeback.

They worry that his impending free agency could have motivated his performance last season. He might not have the motivation to continue it. The Cubbies just need to wait. If more teams choose other players, the size of Bellinger’s contract will plummet. 

The story between the two might not have ended just yet.

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