It looks like we might finally be gaining clarity in the Cody Bellinger sweepstakes.
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Once Shohei Ohtani announced on December 9 that he'd be signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger became the next-best offensive player available in free agency. Not much has changed in his status regarding a new long-term contract for 2024 and beyond, though. That could be changing with spring training about a month away from getting underway in Florida and Arizona.
At the outset of free agency, MLB Trade Rumors predicted Bellinger would land a 12-year, $264 million contract. His agent, Scott Boras, has reportedly been on the hunt for a deal "well north of $200 million," per ESPN's Jesse Rogers on December 19.
Bellinger spent the 2023 season rebuilding his value with the Chicago Cubs on a one-year, $17.5 million deal. He found his 2019 National League MVP Award form by hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 20 steals, 97 RBI and 95 runs scored. Chicago just put the finishing touches on a four-year, $53 million deal with Sh?ta Imanaga, and there's more work to do on the roster.
They could obviously use Bellinger back in their lineup, especially since he left a hole upon officially declaring his free agency. According to a January 14 report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, two other teams are lurking in the background for his services. Those teams include the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays.
Toronto and Chicago have been linked to Bellinger for a good portion of the winter, per MLB.com. The Mariners have also been connected to the outfielder, but not as often. As things currently stand, the Cubs need Bellinger more than the Blue Jays, who have been active elsewhere. They've re-signed outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and have also brought in utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa so far this winter.
It's hard to wait this long for an obvious fit to get acquired, though. This past weekend at Cubs Con, shortstop Dansby Swanson told the crowd, "Before we get to next year, we have to re-sign Belli."
Dansby Swanson at #CubsCon:
"Before we get to next year, we have to re-sign Belli."
(📸: @WatchMarquee) pic.twitter.com/UcTKeOe6SD
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 13, 2024
Nightengale also noted in his report that the Cubs are expected to be MLB's most active team regarding acquisitions for the remainder of the offseason. We'll see if those anticipated moves include a reunion with Bellinger.
