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For Cody Bellinger, free company in 2023 may find yourself being the spotlight of his profession. After profitable MVP in 2019 and a World Sequence in 2020, Bellinger endured some tough seasons late in his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However after getting an opportunity with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, Bellinger bought his profession again on observe, hitting .307 with an OPS of .881 whereas profitable NL Comeback Participant of the 12 months honors.
Bellinger is now among the many greatest gamers out there among the many upcoming free agents after declining a $25 million choice for 2024. As a substitute, he figures to signal a profitable contract this offseason.
Cody Bellinger free company 2023
As a 28-year-old former MVP with postseason expertise who’s coming off a productive 2023 marketing campaign, Bellinger’s contract projection is among the many highest in baseball this winter. Even with the MLB offseason in its infancy, there are already offseason predictions about the place Bellinger will find yourself and the way a lot his new contract can be price. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at Cody Bellinger’s free company in 2023, together with one of the best suits
Phillies
Whereas signing a frontline pitcher seems to be Philly’s prime precedence, they will’t be completely ignored within the Bellinger sweepstakes. After deep postseason runs in consecutive years, the Phils little question really feel as in the event that they’re near profitable a championship, so including a participant like Bellinger could possibly be on their radar.
Take into account that Bryce Harper’s future within the outfield is at the very least questionable, releasing up a spot within the Philadelphia outfield for Bellinger, who may additionally play first base if Harper returns to the outfield. Both approach, except the Phillies suppose Johan Rojas is their future middle fielder, Bellinger must be on Philly’s radar.
Astros
The Astros are in all probability extra of a darkish horse for Bellinger than an apparent candidate, however the membership does have a historical past of being aggressive within the pursuit of prime gamers. There’s actually a emptiness within the Houston outfield with Bellinger capable of transfer to first base sooner or later given Jose Abreu’s age and struggles this previous season.
If Houston’s plan is to reload relatively than attempt to rebuild after watching the Rangers win the World Sequence, the Astros may make a powerful push for Bellinger.
Padres
San Diego has develop into a possible vacation spot for all the big-time free brokers now that the Padres are free spenders. After a disappointing season in 2023, they is perhaps much more keen to throw cash at a participant like Bellinger.
Bringing within the former Dodger to assist them topple Los Angeles within the NL West appears like a pure technique. Plus, the Padres may put Bellinger at first base or put him within the outfield whereas trying to commerce Juan Soto to assist replenish their farm system. Whereas not the obvious candidate, the Padres can’t be dominated out.
Blue Jays
With Toronto set to lose Matt Chapman, there’s a want for a left-handed energy hitter like Bellinger. The Blue Jays are additionally dropping defensive whiz Kevin Kiermaier in middle area.
That creates the opportunity of flanking Bellinger with Daulton Varsho and George Springer within the Toronto outfield. That alignment doesn’t sound so unhealthy offensively or defensively. The Jays have had some success luring free brokers to Canada, though whether or not they’re ready to compete financially with a few of Bellinger’s different suitors stays to be seen.
Cubs
For sure, the Cubs haven’t any complaints about what they bought out of Bellinger final season. With the addition of supervisor Craig Counsell, they appear to be a staff that’s able to spend large this winter.
That ought to make conserving Bellinger their prime precedence since their lineup appears completely different with out him. With a number of additions wanted, Chicago might not be keen to go as excessive as another groups by way of value. However there’s little question the Cubs will work onerous to maintain Bellinger within the Windy Metropolis.
Yankees
After an endlessly disappointing 2023 marketing campaign, it appears cheap to suppose that the Yankees can be trying to make an enormous splash this winter.
There’s additionally no query {that a} left-handed energy hit to enrich and shield Aaron Judge is required. Bellinger could be a super answer with the brief fence in proper area at Yankee Stadium. Some have urged that the Yanks attempt to commerce for Juan Soto. Nevertheless, it’s extra lifelike for the Yankees to attempt throwing money at Bellinger earlier than exploring the commerce market.
Giants
The Giants have tried onerous in recent times to signal a big-time free agent, coming shut with Carlos Correa final yr. The opportunity of bringing a castaway from the Dodgers to San Francisco may make them much more wanting to outbid everybody else for Bellinger.
If the Giants go after one other big-time free agent, they’ll certainly prioritize an impression bat over a pitcher, placing Bellinger on the prime of their want record.
Cody Bellinger contract projection
With a number of suitors, together with a number of who haven’t any downside throwing cash round, Bellinger stands to signal a large deal. For some comparability, middle fielder Brandon Nimmo earned an eight-year, $162 million contract final season. Whereas the market adjustments from yr to yr, Nimmo’s contract isn’t even a baseline for what Bellinger may earn.
Whereas Nimmo is a high quality participant with nice intangibles, he’s by no means even been an all-star and hit free company one yr older than Bellinger is now. In the meantime, Bellinger is a two-time all-star, a former MVP, and has extra energy than Nimmo. At a minimal, Bellinger ought to get an eight-year deal price at the very least $200 million. Nevertheless, if there are two or three groups which might be intent on signing him, he may doubtlessly signal get a deal of 10 years or extra that’s price between $250 and $300 million, making him the highest-paid participant this winter outdoors of Shohei Ohtani.
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