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With Shohei Ohtani out of the way and on to Los Angeles, Cody Bellinger is widely regarded as the consolation prize for teams other than the Dodgers when it comes to free agent position players.
After back-to-back, terrible seasons with the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022, Bellinger took a northeast flight and signed with the Chicago Cubs. While on a one-year deal, Bellinger resurrected his career, slashing .307/.356/..525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI. At 28 years old, Bellinger could very well return to his 2019 MVP form going forward.
Cubs and Blue Jays bidding for Bellinger
That makes him a hot commodity, and while the Cubs would love to bring him back, it's not a sure thing. One would assume that Bellinger has plenty of options, but it appears that it's down to the Cubs and the Toronto Blue Jays as the likeliest destinations.
The Blue Jays are reeling after striking out on Ohtani, especially after the reporting debacle that had the Japanese superstar on a plane to Toronto while he was polishing his Dodgers contract.
Jon Heyman mentions how badly the Blue Jays want a left-handed bat in their lineup. Slotting Bellinger somewhere in between George Springer, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would give Toronto one of the best top of the lineups in MLB.
The Cubs, meanwhile, also struck out on Ohtani and will be more than happy to splash some cash to keep Bellinger in the Windy City.