Giants Could Aggressively Pursue Blockbuster Deal for Chicago Cubs Star in Free Agency
While the MLB postseason is just around the corner, many team executives are already keeping an eye on the free agent market that will open the day after the final World Series game.
Perhaps the best outfielder on the market will be current Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger.
The 2019 National League MVP's resurgence this season has been one of the contributing factors of why the Cubs sit in the second Wild Card spot on Sept. 10.
It's been an impressive turnaround for the outfielder after two years of miring in injury and frustrating performances.
But considering that Chicago gave him just a one-year deal means that they will now have to compete in what is shaping up to be a fierce bidding war if they hope for a Bellinger return on the North Side.
One of those teams may be the San Francisco Giants according to USA Today. In fact, they could aggressively pursue Bellinger to the tune of a $200 million contract, a blockbuster for someone like Bellinger and his injury history.
It's also a bit of a risk, especially if there is any regression in Bellinger's play following the season.
However, the All-Star seems to be playing so consistently well it's hard to see a drop off of any significant value at the plate. Add in his Gold Glove defense at multiple positions, Bellinger has that $200 million-type talent.
According to that same USA Today article, Bellinger could even be pursuing a $300 million contract. Which means that teams that don't want to pursue Shohei Ohtani's bat may turn to Bellinger's.
The Cubs will have a fight on their hands if they hope to retain the man that has contributed to much to playing them right into a postseason spot ahead of timeline.
