Josh Hader has decided to sign with the Houston Astros, leaving the free agency thinner by the day. The two parties agreed to a five-year $95 million deal, the largest for a relief pitcher in baseball history.
There are still quality free agents out there. However, the more big time players get signed for significant contracts, the chances for guys holding out to get a lucrative deal also get thinner.
One player that should start negotiating now is Cody Bellinger who according to reports remains far from a new deal with any team.
The 2019 National League MVP spent the 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs and entered the free agency on November 3.
Many clubs are splashing this summer, with several contracts breaking MLB records.
They might not have anything to give for those still without a team, especially those with high demand.
For Bellinger, his market has shrunk because of record-breaking signings.
Where must he go then? Only himself can decide.
Read more: Canucks Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes Show Patience Pays Off
The latest Cody Bellinger news, however, is something Chicago Cubs fans would love.
Details surrounding the free agency of Cody Bellinger:
1. Cubs reunion is on the cards
There is a chance he will suit up again for the Cubs this 2024.
The club is yet to spend big in the offseason while others have their bank accounts spent out.
According to MLB Insider, Jon Heyman, a reunion is probably.
"I think the favorite right now has to be the Cubs," he said late December through a Bleacher Report show.
"We're gonna rule out the Yankees. The [Blue] Jays have done some stuff, so you know. I still think they could do it, possibly. I still think the Giants could do it, possibly. He could help a number of teams. He could help Seattle [Mariners], he could help the [Los Angeles] Angels, he could help the [New York] Mets."
Team president Jed Hoyer also loves the idea of bringing him back to the Wringley Field.
2. Cody Bellinger's contract demand
The deals being offered to many players these days are quite lofty compared to the past seasons.
Cody Bellinger's contract demand is the same. He wants to get paid handsomely.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale revealed that the 28-year-old is seeking at least $250 million although he did not indicate how many years this contract should run. The deal could break five-year, $102 million record set by Edwin Diaz with the New York Mets and the $80 million deal the Los Angeles Dodgers offered to Kenley Jansen in 2016.
3. Is he worth splashing money on?
Bellinger tested the free agency in 2022 before signing with the Cubs. He signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024.
At that time, he was just coming off a great run with the Dodgers before he joined Chicago.
The 2023 season was one of his best since receiving the NL MVP Award in 2019. He posted 307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs.
Bellinger remains a great piece for any team and the Cubs should not let him run.
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