Cody Bellinger Rumors: Surprise NL Suitor Has Emerged in Sweepstakes for Former Dodgers MVP
Cody Bellinger remains a free agent as spring training nears. The former Dodgers MVP had a resurgent season with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, and entered this offseason hoping to secure a massive, long-term deal.
That deal is yet to come to fruition, and the list of potential suitors is continuing to shrink.
However, Bob Nightengale of USA Today listed a potential sleeper team that could make a push for Bellinger before the 2024 season begins.
"Several executives think the Philadelphia Phillies could be a sleeper for one of the remaining marquee free agents in starter Jordan Montgomery or center fielder Cody Bellinger."
The Phillies have made two straight NLCS appearances, and made the World Series in 2022.
They're becoming one of the premier teams in the National League, but have remained quiet this offseason after re-signing Aaron Nola on a seven-year, $172 million early in free agency.
Making a move for one of the top remaining free agents like Bellinger or Jordan Montgomery would put the Phillies in prime position for another deep run in October, and would provide a jolt to the team and fanbase just before spring training.
As of now, the only obvious suitor for Bellinger is the incumbent Cubs, but it sounds like Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, are continuing to hold out for the massive deal they want.
If the Phillies swoop in and make him a big offer, he'd likely be very happy to head East to team up with his former teammate in Los Angeles, Trea Turner. A lineup of Turner, Bellinger, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto would make a case for one of baseball's best.
