Blue Jays retain curiosity in star free agent regardless of Kevin Kiermaier signing

Regardless of efficiently retaining one in every of their greatest fielders from final season, Cody Bellinger stays a precedence for the Toronto Blue Jays as 2024 opening day attracts nearer.

After extending free agent heart fielder Kevin Kiermaier to a one-year, $10.5 million dedication, the Jays are apparently nonetheless very thinking about former MVP Cody Bellinger. Nonetheless, in accordance with one MLB analyst, the Jays are removed from being the one get together.

“The Blue Jays still have interest in free-agent CF/1B Cody Bellinger, but the Cubs certainly have a greater need, and desire, to bring Bellinger back to Chicago.” – Bob Nightengale

Per indications from USA Immediately’s Bob Nightengale, the Chicago Cubs, who hosted Bellinger in 2023, stay very thinking about inking the outfielder. That comes after Cody Bellinger turned down the group’s 2024 $25 million possibility for him.

The winner of the Rookie of the Yr in 2017 and the MVP Award in 2019, Bellinger was launched by his former group, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in late 2022. Regardless of his previous accolades, Bellinger hit simply .193 throughout 2021 and 2022 and has among the many lowest on-base percentages within the majors.

After he was launched by Los Angeles, the Cubs determined to take a threat on Bellinger for the 2023 season. After inking the 27-year previous to a one-year deal value $17.5 million, the Cubs received a glimpse of a few of his classic hitting. In 2023, Bellinger hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 residence runs and 97 RBIs.

“Cody Bellinger’s first home run in a Cubs uniform” – Cubs Zone

As was eluded to by Nightengale, the necessity for a bat like Bellinger’s is extra dire for the Cubs than it’s for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Aside from conserving Gold Glover Kiermaier, the Jays may depend on bats like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and Bo Bichette. For the Cubs, far fewer offensive juggernauts exist on their roster.

Cody Bellinger holds all of the playing cards after his rebound 2023 marketing campaign

Had the Blue Jays prolonged a proposal to Bellinger final yr, MLB’s solely Canadian group would have discovered themselves in a a lot better place to nail down the previous MVP.

Nonetheless, it can now come all the way down to cash. After his sturdy season, Bellinger has the ability to demand the sum that he needs. Now, it will likely be between the Cubs and Jays to see if Bellinger’s determine is one thing they’re keen to entertain.