Will Cody Bellinger’s $300 Million Sweepstakes See a Mariners Twist, Amidst the Ongoing Cubs-Blue Jays Race?

After a month of little to no activity, things might have finally started moving in the Cody Bellinger free agency saga. With the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs already after him, Scott Boras needs one more team to link with his client to start a bidding war. Though until now one wondered if Bellinger fits any team other than these two, things might be cooking somewhere in Seattle. 

The Seattle Mariners have had a weird offseason till now. Instead of investing in players, they have decided to let go of a bunch of them in hopes of reducing their payroll. The question that emerged was, are they trying to become more manageable or are the M’s creating space for a big-time signing like Bellinger?

The free agency of Cody Bellinger might have found its sails

So far, the Mariners have removed players like Jarred Kelenic and Marco Gonzalez from their squad. They’ll have to find replacements soon or else they’re risking a journey to oblivion. The Mariners have been absent from much of the free agency market but Cody Bellinger interests them because of their hitting shortage.

With only the Blue Jays and Cubs linked with him, the Mariners have a more-than-average chance of getting their hands on Cody Love. Though there have been reports of Scott Boras not liking negotiating with the Mariners due to their limited resources, this roster clearance may change that.

Like any good agent, Scott Boras wants to see multiple teams behind his clients. This gives the agent large wiggle room from where he can operate freely. With the reports of Bellinger looking for about $300 million already well established, more competition would make it easier for Boras to negotiate a deal closest to that figure.

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MLB insider Jon Morosi was the first one to establish the link between Bellinger and the Mariners earlier in December. Though the news mostly died down after that, things have started picking up recently. The Blue Jays might be facing tough competition now.

The beginning of a race for the slugger?

Until now the Toronto Blue Jays have been ahead of the Cubs in their pursuit of Bellinger. Although Cody Love has some affinity for the Cubs, they seem to have placed a limit on how much they’re willing to offer Bellinger. As a result, the Blue Jays have leapfrogged ahead in the sweepstakes.

But with the possible entry of the Mariners, we might be looking at a triple-threat match between the three franchises. Bellinger, who until a few weeks ago, had no one may suddenly have three suitors for him. This could send the alarm bells ringing for the Blue Jays, being ahead in every report and then losing the player. Where have we heard this story before?

Read more: Cody Bellinger to Blake Snell: Scott Boras’ Clients Set to Dominate Off-Season Amidst Dodgers’ Blockbuster Deals