Cody Bellinger Rumors: Cubs Free Agent Drawing 'Strong Interest' from Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have "strong interest" in signing free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the Blue Jays plan to pursue Bellinger as they seek a left-handed bat for their lineup.

Bellinger is coming off a surprising return to form in 2023, hitting .307./356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in with the Chicago Cubs. After winning the 2019 NL MVP at age 23, Bellinger's performance fell off a cliff. He battled a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness to hit 203/.272/.376 over a 295-game sample size. His 41 home runs over that timeframe were fewer than the 47 he hit during his MVP campaign.

The Cubs signed Bellinger to a one-year contract with a mutual option for the 2024 season last winter, and he far exceeded anyone's expectations. While the power numbers did not return to 2019 form, he drastically cut his strikeout rate and proved to be a quality first baseman when moved out of the outfield.

Of course, not all of the underlying numbers are strong. Bellinger's hard-hit percentage was actually the lowest of his career, and his average exit velocity was also a career-worst. Over a larger sample, one would expect Bellinger's numbers to regress from his 2023 rebound and head back down to earth.

That won't matter for Bellinger's bank account, as he's a 28-year-old hitting free agency after a stellar season. He's almost certainly going to cash in with Toronto, Chicago or any other team willing to fork over a long-term deal.