Breaking down the perfect free company locations for Cody Bellinger following his bounce again 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs
Cody Bellinger is a free agent as soon as once more following the 2023 season. Bellinger’s free company circumstances are a lot completely different in comparison with final yr although.
The Los Angeles Dodgers made the choice to maneuver on from Bellinger after the 2022 marketing campaign. The outfielder hit free company trying to signal with a staff and reestablish himself as a star-caliber participant. That’s precisely what Bellinger did with the Chicago Cubs.
Bellinger received the NL Comeback Participant of the 12 months award and now holds way more management heading into this yr’s free company. Groups might be trying to signal the 28-year-old to a profitable, long-term contract extension.
Bellinger may have loads of choices to select from. At the moment, we might be trying on the 5 finest free company locations for the previous MVP.
Cody Bellinger returns to the Cubs?
Bellinger discovered his footing in Chicago with the Cubs this previous season. He slashed .307/.356/.525 with an .881 OPS throughout 130 video games performed. Bellinger added 26 residence runs and 20 stolen bases in what was an all-around high quality season for him.
The Cubs gave themselves a a lot better likelihood of re-signing Bellinger by not buying and selling him previous to the deadline in early August. Had they dealt him away, Bellinger could be much less more likely to think about a reunion with the staff.
The Cubs will certainly be open to pursing Bellinger as soon as once more in free company. Though it might show to be unlikely given the quantity of curiosity Bellinger will command, it’s a chance.
The outfielder/first baseman ought to no less than think about returning given how nicely he carried out in 2023.
Marlins get a celebrity
The Miami Marlins won’t be close to the highest of anybody’s record when making predictions for the place Bellinger will signal. Miami made a playoff run in 2023 although, and they should keep aggressive.
Miami encompasses a gifted group of younger pitchers. They should add extra offense although. Signing a star participant to assist anchor the lineup together with Jazz Chisholm might be of the utmost significance. In all actuality, Miami in all probability ought to add two or three dependable offensive gamers.
Bellinger is a participant in the course of his prime who Miami can construct round for years to come back, nevertheless. A Chisholm and Bellinger-led lineup may result in a a lot better all-around offensive efficiency in 2024 and past for the Marlins.
Brewers want a bat
The Milwaukee Brewers are one other shock on this record.
Milwaukee has been a contender through the years. The narrative has seemingly been the identical although. Milwaukee options sturdy beginning and aid pitching, however their offense has too many query marks.
The Brewers have did not make deep postseason runs because of this. Milwaukee’s precedence should be on strengthening their offense, particularly after buying and selling Mark Canha away on Saturday. Signing Cody Bellinger would give Milwaukee a flexible participant who can hit residence runs and steal bases.
Christian Yelich’s re-resurgence was good to see in 2023, and placing Bellinger and Yelich on the identical staff could be entertaining. The 2 had been after all paired collectively on a constant foundation in 2018 and 2019 after they had been each MVP candidates, resulting in the favored “Belli vs. Yeli” comparisons.
Cody Bellinger to the Guardians?
Sure, one other small-market staff makes our record. The Cleveland Guardians’ offense was abysmal in 2023. They finally missed the playoffs and should tackle the lineup with the intention to bounce again.
Notably, Cleveland wants outfield assist. Cody Bellinger would slot in properly alongside Jose Ramirez in Cleveland’s lineup. Bellinger’s potential to maneuver across the outfield and play first base would not damage issues both.
Cleveland hasn’t precisely displayed a willingness to spend a lot cash through the years. That stated, they’ve signed gamers similar to Ramirez, Andres Gimenez, Myles Straw, and Emmanuel Clase to contract extensions. Maybe the Guardians might be open to including stars in free company to construct round their core.
Whether or not it is Bellinger or another person, Cleveland wants so as to add hitters or 2024 might be a protracted season.
Yankees make an excessive amount of sense
Cody Bellinger was linked to the New York Yankees forward of the 2023 commerce deadline. A commerce failed to come back to fruition and New York ended up lacking the playoffs altogether.
The “Bronx Bombers” struggled mightily with the bats this previous yr. Aaron Choose was terrific as soon as once more, however he spent a big period of time on the injured record.
New York should prioritize including offense. And the Yankees could be an excellent match for Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger’s easy left-handed swing would play extraordinarily nicely in New York. He’d be capable to play middle or both of the nook outfield spots which is pivotal since Giancarlo Stanton must be a main DH at this level in his profession.
Many MLB consultants have predicted that the Yankees will certainly signal Cody Bellinger. The match makes a variety of sense, however there are nonetheless no ensures.