MLB Insider Reveals Perfect Cody Bellinger Replacement for Cubs
Unfortunately for the Chicago Cubs, Cody Bellinger probably isn't coming back next year. The free-agent outfielder already declined a qualifying offer from the Cubs earlier this season and appears to be seeking a contract in the $200 million range.
At the rate this offseason is going, the Los Angeles Dodgers will probably sign him and defer all his money until 2050.
Jokes aside, a Bellinger reunion appears increasingly unlikely for Chicago. The Cubs need to be prepared to replace his production in the lineup after he provided 26 home runs, 97 RBIs and an .881 OPS last year.
Fortunately, MLB insider Jon Morosi has the perfect solution.
In an interview with MLB Network on Monday, Morosi named former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins as a top fit for Chicago.
"This is the bat I believe makes too much sense for them," Morosi said. "This is one of the clearest fits that I see in all of Major League Baseball right now."
Morosi added that he expects Hoskins' market to take shape once Japanese free agent Shota Imanaga -- another Cubs target -- signs in the near future.
Morosi is right about Hoskins being a great fit for Chicago. If Bellinger doesn't come back, Hoskins could potentially replace his offensive production. Hoskins should also be far cheaper after missing the entire 2023 season with a torn ACL.
Prior to 2023, however, Hoskins was one of the best sluggers in the National League. In six seasons with the Phillies from 2017-2022, the hard-hitting first baseman averaged 25 homers per season while slashing .242/.353/492.
While not an athletic outfielder and baserunner like Bellinger, Hoskins is a middle-of-the-order bat with a proven track record in a large market. He's still close to his prime years at age 30, is motivated to have a big rebound season and won't cost an arm and a leg.
If the Cubs do miss out on Bellinger, Hoskins would be a pretty good consolation prize.
