Toronto came to a standstill when Shohei Ohtani had not yet chosen his destination. What made them put all their moves to a halt finally resulted in utter disappointment. But the Blue Jays were quick to pivot; there is no way they will tread the free agent market slowly. But this is causing a ripple effect in the free agency market. Which team will be affected by it the most? 

Ever since the majestic signing of the two-way phenom by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Jays have recalibrated their strategy through the remaining off season. Earlier, Cody Bellinger was the marquee name the club seemed to be keen on. However, recent maneuvers, including picks like Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, suggest a different narrative. 

The Blue Jays’ Shifting Priorities Direct the Cubs to Cody Bellinger

The Blue Jays are not going to linger in uncertainty anymore. Per insiders, San Francisco Giants outfielder, Joc Pederson is now capturing significant attention from the Jays camp. Their pressing requirement for offensive power this off-season has made the 31-year-old an attractive option. Well, Pederson’s experience this October, coupled with notable contributions to the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 championship run, adds to his allure. With that, it’s time to look at numbers. 

Pederson’s last season with the San Frans was a testament to his prowess as a lefty hitter. His stats included a .235 batting average and 15 home runs. He made 425 plate appearances in addition to a stellar .834 OPS against right-handed pitching. These have made him quite an appealing player for Toronto to approach. But they are not alone in the mix. 

With teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Giants showing interest, the competition is cutthroat. With time, Pederson’s potential move only becomes more imminent. As a result, the spotlight inevitably turns to the Chicago Cubs paving the way for them to eye Bellinger. 

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What Does the Pederson-Bellinger Equation Mean for the Chicago Cubs?

Amidst a flurry of rumors and unexpected offseason activities, the Cubs stand as the sole franchise who haven’t made a significant addition to their roster. This lack of action has fans and analysts predicting their next move based on conjecture. Especially concerning their former players, Pederson and Bellinger. 

Well, the next step for Chicago is likely to revolve around the fluctuating interest and market dynamics involving Cody Bellinger. However, with Toronto’s interest going away from Bellinger speculatively, the club could have an upper hand at a possible reunion with the 28-year-old.

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That said, the team’s front office will probably have to make strategic decisions based on the developments that happen as ripple effects.