Report: SF Giants to be an ‘aggressive suitor’ for Cody Bellinger

Sep 5, 2023, 9:52 AM

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 19: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs bats against the Kansas City ...

(Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

Cody Bellinger was a thorn in the San Francisco Giants’ side for six seasons while with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

While the 2019 National League Most Valuable Player was a problem for the Giants from 2017-2022, could the two join forces once MLB free agency begins this offseason?

Bellinger, an impending free agent who has regained his All-Star form while playing for the Chicago Cubs, is in line to be the number-two option on the market behind superstar designated hitter Shohei Ohtani once players begin signing with teams in November.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, San Francisco is expected to pursue the 28-year-old this winter as they look to bring an impact bat into the fold after falling short in prior sweepstakes for star talent (Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, Bryce Harper, etc.).

.@Cody_Bellinger hammers his 3rd homer of the series! pic.twitter.com/dYGe6FrEr6

— MLB (@MLB) September 3, 2023

“The price tag will be heavy, exceeding $200 million, perhaps even seeking more than $300 million,” Nightengale said of Bellinger’s projected contract. “The most aggressive suitors are expected to be the Cubs, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees.

Bellinger was a player who was expected to be dealt during the August 1st trade deadline, but Chicago’s red-hot play steered the organization into a ‘buy’ stance instead of selling key players.

After batting .203 over 295 games from 2020-2022, Bellinger was released by the Dodgers following the 2022 season.

On a one-year contract with the Cubs, Bellinger has returned to his All-Star form as the outfielder/first baseman holds a career-high .320 batting average to go along with 23 home runs, 84 RBI, and 131 hits–all marks being Bellinger’s highest since his MVP season in 2019.

Now that Bellinger has regained his hard-hitting form, the outfielder is expected to receive plenty of interest from teams seeking a left-handed bat.

San Francisco has longed for an impact bat in its lineup for years, with previous attempts at luring in star talent falling short. Could Bellinger be the player that the Giants are looking for?

Bellinger can play all three outfield positions and fill in at first base when needed. His left-handed swing seems perfect for McCovey Cove, and his power could give San Francisco its first 30-home run hitter since Barry Bonds did so in 2004.

Time will tell, but expect the Giants to be aggressive in the free-agent market until they can pencil a star into their lineup.