3 teams who could swipe Cody Bellinger from the Cubs in free agency

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With free agency underway, The Chicago Cubs are hot after Shohei Ohtani and several starting pitchers in the trade market. With all the attention on those two things now, let's remember that a core piece of their team in 2023 is a free agent. If Cody Bellinger is not re-signed this winter, his bat must be replaced in the lineup. Of course, Bellinger isn't expected to sign a deal soon, but when he does, what team will give the Cubs the biggest run for their money? Let's look at three ballclubs that could come in and swipe Bellinger away from the Cubs in free agency.

3 Teams who could swipe Bellinger in free agency - 3. Los Angeles Dodgers

Starting first is the very team that Gave Bellinger his initial start. Due to a couple of down seasons in a row, the Dodgers non-tendered Belli a year ago, leading to his eventual landing in Chicago, where he had a fantastic comeback season. L.A. had an eerily quiet offseason last year, which led many to speculate they would be involved in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. As it turned out, to no one's surprise, the Dodgers are currently the favorite to land Ohtani.

That being said, should the team miss out on Ohtani, expect them to pursue every single top name they can get their hands on this winter. They need veteran pitching, and outside of Mookie Betts and James Outman, they could use another highly efficient outfielder. There has yet to be any smoke regarding the Dodgers and Bellinger, but don't rule out a reunion should L.A. find itself with money to burn after missing on Ohtani.

3 Teams who could swipe Bellinger in free agency - 2. San Francisco Giants

Seemingly highly involved with everybody the last couple of winters, the San Francisco Giants will look for a way to lure Bellinger back to California this offseason. Like the Dodgers, every big-spending team will first look to sign Ohtani, followed by the Yoshinobu sweepstakes, but you can rest assured that when Bellinger's market heats up later this winter, the Giant will be there to make a serious bid for him.

Although they will be after Bellinger, as it was reported in September; I don't envision them being able to land him. They could utilize him at first base with Mitch Haniger, Michael Conforto, Austin Slater, and Mike Yastrzemski already in the outfield. Still, they, too, already have Wilmer Flores and Lamonte Wade Jr. capable of manning the position, and it simply isn't a glaring need. Therefore, I expect them to be in the running but serious enough to acquire him at the end of the day if it turns into a high-bidding war.

3 Teams who could swipe Bellinger in free agency - 1. New York Yankees

Last but certainly not least, the New York Yankees are definitely in play for Bellinger this winter. If one team has an edge over the Cubs, it's the Yanks. Nearly trade partners at the deadline in 2023, the Cubs held off on moving Bellinger as the team's hot streak at the perfect time prompted Jed Hoyer to push for a postseason appearance as opposed to the accustomed fire sale we had gotten to know and hate the last two seasons prior.

Bellinger fits in pinstripes. The short porch in right field was made for him. It will be hard for the Cubs to outbid New York if NY has missed out on other key targets and if the Cubs have already spent big money to that point. Kevin Cashman will drool over the thought of an outfield of Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Dominguez. Hopefully, Bellinger winds up where he belongs. The Northside of Chicago, hitting tanks out to right center on a nightly basis.

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