Cody Bellinger arrived in what appeared to be a favorable market at the start of the summer, but he is still unsure of his 2024 playing position. Over the offseason, a number of teams have been connected to the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year.
At the beginning of the offseason, some had speculated that the New York Yankees might be interested in the slugger. However, since then, things have greatly calmed down as the Bronx Bombers added 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.
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?
