After entering what seemed like a favorable market at the beginning of the offseason, Cody Bellinger is still waiting to see where he’ll be playing in 2024. The 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year has been linked to quite a few teams throughout the winter.
Some had theorized the New York Yankees to be a player for the slugger’s services at the start of the offseason. But things have cooled off tremendously since then with the Bronx Bombers adding left-handed outfielders Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo.
Even the San Francisco Giants, who have been eager to land a top free agent the past two offseasons, have seemed to back off on their pursuit of Bellinger.
The common thread among these clubs with previously reported interest is that each has signed or traded for free-agent bats that just so happen to play Bellinger’s bread-and-butter positions of first base and center field.
What’s also astounding is that it’s not known if any team has even made a formal offer to Bellinger’s camp, per Marquee Sports Network’s Bruce Levine.
Furthermore, this offseason seemed poised to be a big one for the Cubs. Jed Hoyer has made a few notable acquisitions, resulting in a good — but not quite great — winter for the North Siders to date. Even after trading for a left-handed bat in Michael Busch, the Cubs still don’t have the power threat that was once supplied by Bellinger.
Not only would the former National League MVP fit nicely in the Cubs lineup, but his defensive versatility would allow him to slot in as the everyday first baseman if top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong truly blossoms in center field this season.
But the holdup still seems to be money for Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras. The slugger and his camp are still seeking a contract of at least $200 million. To this point, the Cubs obviously haven’t been willing to reach those demands.
But as the 2024 MLB season nears day by day, the Cubs and Bellinger have to realize that 2023 was a beneficial year for both sides. Why not continue that great partnership and just come to terms?
