The entirety of MLB free agency is feeling the freeze of the winter months as big names remain unsigned.
Cody Bellinger, for one, is currently without a home. There appears to be one big reason for that: Money.
“Ultimately, the widespread belief within the industry is that Bellinger and the Cubs will reunite, but only if/when his asking price comes down,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported.
This isn’t a surprise, of course.
Not only is he a Scott Boras client, but the consensus around the league is he can recreate what he did in 2023.
He finished his campaign with the Chicago Cubs slashing .307/.356/.525 with a 133 OPS+ and 26 home runs. He also led the league with 12 intentional walks.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman said the going rate for the former National League MVP and two-time All-Star is around $200 million.
He remains the clear star outfielder now that two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is off the board after signing a record-breaking deal with the Dodgers.
Boras is never one to rush. He’s very patient and knows the market better than everyone. He said everyone’s involved in the Bellinger sweepstakes.
The Cubs still remain a favorite to land him, however.
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer was very complimentary of him and said there was a sit down discussion with Bellinger in October. To which Bellinger said he loves the Cubs and the fans.
[MLB.com]
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.