“MLB Insider: Blue Jays and Mariners in the Mix for Cody Bellinger Amidst Contract Uncertainty”
Should the Chicago Cubs fail to keep hold of power hitter Cody Bellinger in the upcoming offseason, there are reports suggesting that the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays are actively showing interest.
As stated by MLB Insider Bob Nightengale from USA Today, the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays are still in the mix as potential destinations for the free-agent slugger Cody Bellinger.
In the scenario where Cody Bellinger doesn’t return to the Chicago Cubs, the Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners are actively in consideration. Now, let’s delve into a few aspects here…
1) Bellinger is a standout player who is coming off an outstanding season. It is logical to assume that he is seeking a lucrative deal, potentially surpassing $200 million, but such an arrangement has yet to materialize. In the 2023 season, he showcased his prowess by batting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI for the Cubs, despite playing in just 130 games.
Bellinger earned the National League MVP title in 2019, achieving an impressive 47 home runs with the Dodgers. However, he encountered significant struggles due to injuries and performance issues from 2020 to 2022. This downturn ultimately led to his non-tender by the Dodgers and the subsequent signing of a one-year deal with the Cubs.
The history of inconsistency, particularly during the recent years, might be causing some teams to approach the prospect of acquiring Bellinger with caution.
2) While the Cubs may have an interest in retaining Bellinger, uncertainties arise considering their recent expenditure on Shota Imanaga and the substantial contracts allocated to players like Dansby Swanson. This leaves questions about their willingness to take on another significant financial commitment.
3) Despite being considered the frontrunners for Bellinger just a month ago, the Blue Jays’ interest raises questions about the team’s fit. With an existing trio of outfielders (Daulton Varsho, George Springer, and Kevin Kiermaier), the prospect of a four-man rotation for outfielder/designated hitter roles is a topic of speculation. Similar concerns have been voiced regarding their reported interest in Jorge Soler.
4) The Mariners find themselves in a situation where Bellinger could be a significant asset, and they are also linked to Soler in the current offseason. However, the uncertainty surrounding the team’s finances makes it challenging to picture a long-term deal with Bellinger, unless it takes the form of a one-year contract or a two-year deal with an opt-out clause.
