Recent word has the Cubs and their own free agent Cody Bellinger still apart in talks.

The Cubs seemed to make sense from the start since Bellinger regained his offensive form, hitting .306 with an .881 OPS, on Chicago’s North Side after they made the prescient signing for $17.5M last year. Agent Scott Boras suggested back at the GM meetings the Cubs needed to move to get in the game, and it’s uncertain if they have.

The Giants, Jays and Mariners all look like potential fits. But are there others?

Could the Phillies be an option? They were getting basically no production out of center field in the playoffs, and they’re a team that’s thrived in free agency. Of course, they seem more focused on a starter at present (Jordan Montgomery maybe?)

How about the Angels? Mike Trout can’t be too thrilled about their playoff chances following the loss of Shohei Ohtani, and they obviously have plenty of money to spend. Bellinger could also keep Trout healthy by allowing him to move to a corner spot.

For now Bellinger, one of three MVPs to reach free agency by age 27 (Barry Bonds and Harper), remains one of the more fascinating free-agent cases in years.