MLB rumors: New team challenges Cubs, Dodgers for Cody Bellinger

The Cody Bellinger chase is heating up after he was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays could be a formidable suitor for Bellinger.

Cody Bellinger isn’t the same player who won the 2019 NL MVP. In fact, he’s taken a significant step back since then. His production has taken a hit, primarily due to injuries but also a hitch in his swing. A change of scenery could do the former MVP some good.

Both the Chicago Cubs and even Dodgers have expressed interest in signing Bellinger. Los Angeles would prefer that come at a cheaper price tag, as he slashed just .210/.265/.389 while recording 19 home runs, 68 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 106 hits last season.

Yet, the Dodgers have already eyed a replacement for Bellinger in former Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. The Cubs view Bellinger as a reclamation project.

The Toronto Blue Jays — the newest team in the Bellinger sweepstakes — have been interested in his services for quite some time.

Why should Blue Jays sign Cody Bellinger?

The Jays are short an outfielder after trading Teoscar Hernandez to the Seattle Mariners last week.

Toronto is also in on Brandon Nimmo, though he’s expected to be one of the higher-priced outfielders on the open market. The Jays aren’t in position to get in a bidding war with the New York Mets.

Bellinger would still demand a significant deal, but perhaps on a short-term contract, as he needs to prove his worth again at the major-league level. Considering Toronto previously had trade interest in Bellinger, they can take matters into their own hands.