Top 3 Free Agent Destinations For Cody Bellinger

Now that the Chicago Cubs' playoff hopes are dashed, it's time for the speculation to begin on what happens next with Cody Bellinger. The former MVP returned to star form this year at Wrigley Field, but after the Cubs signed him to a one-year contract, he's hitting the free agent market once again. And this time he'll be cashing in large. 

So which teams should sign the rejuvenated Belli? It all starts on the North Side. 

Soon-to-be free agent Cody Bellinger: “I really tried to enjoy these last few weeks. Obviously, there is no prediction of the future. Playing for the Cubs organization and Wrigley Field was really special."

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 1, 2023

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies were the team that took a chance on him after three disastrous seasons in LA, and as Bellinger said himself, “I really tried to enjoy these last few weeks. Obviously, there is no prediction of the future. Playing for the Cubs organization and Wrigley Field was really special."

Will the Cubs make a 'really special' offer to keep Belli around long-term? 

After three straight years of wallowing around the .200 mark, the 27-year-old returned to form at Wrigley, hitting .307 with an .881 OPS, while blasting 26 home runs with 96 RBIs. And oh yes, he tossed in 20 steals for good measure. 

He was as much of a reason as any that the Cubs pushed for a playoff spot right down to the wire. 

New York Yankees

The Yankees had the 4th-lowest OPS in all of baseball against right-handed pitchers this season. Anthony Rizzo was the only left-handed hitter of any consequence in Pinstripes at all this season (and even that is up for debate). Guess who else hits left-handed? That would be Cody Bellinger. Guess what team is also looking for a star center fielder? That would be the Yankees. Sounds like a match made in the Bronx. 

San Francisco Giants

As they do every offseason, the Giants will pursue a big-name star to add to their lineup. And how sweet it would be for them if they could coax the former MVP of their bitter rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, to wear a Giants jersey into the future? 

GM Farhan Zaidi has lots of work to do this offseason to get the Giants back into contention. It started with a big firing a couple of days ago, and it will potentially continue with some major player additions this winter. Bellinger would be a nice start for them. 

Photo: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports