Remember that awkward silence after Shohei Ohtani inked his mega-deal and left Cody Bellinger, the best hitter left on the market, whistling in the wind? Well, the crickets might finally be taking a break because one team has emerged as the clear favorite to land the 2019 NL MVP: the Chicago Cubs.

FanSided asks the fans to forget the Blue Jays, who brought Kevin Kiermaier back for a reunion hug. Ignore the Giants’ infatuation with Jung Hoo Lee. Even the Yankees, after their blockbuster trade for Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, have cooled off on Bellinger. So, who remains standing, arms wide open, ready to welcome the slugger with a big ol’ Wrigley hug? The Cubbies, baby!

Why Cody Bellinger’s Chicago landing is almost a lock

Sure, there’s still that pesky price tag. Cody Bellinger, fresh off an MVP-caliber season, is understandably gunning for a monster deal—somewhere north of $250 million, as claimed by BleacherReport. And the Cubs, equally understandably, are hesitant to break the bank for a guy who’s had some rough years recently. His 2023 success might have been fueled by good ol’ fashioned luck, they worry.

But here’s the thing: the stars are aligning for a Chicago love story. Jon Morosi of MLB Network practically handed the Cubs a love letter, declaring them to have as good, or better, of a chance to sign Cody Bellinger as any other team in MLB. Why? It turns out the Cubs are Bellinger fans, after all. And the gesture is a two-way street. Cody loved his time in the Windy City last year, and they think he’s the missing piece to their puzzle.

Plus, they’ve got the flexibility. No logjam at first base (thanks, Matt Mervis!). A bullpen begging for a veteran presence. And let’s not forget the Wrigley faithful, ready to roar for their new slugging hero. Still, the vying eyes of other teams like Halos keep casting shadows of doubt over almost-realized dreams.

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Bellinger Buzz in LA: Hype vs. Reality

Bellinger’s free agency buzz has reached LA, but before Arte Moreno splashes $250 million, consider the cracks in this seemingly perfect match. Bellinger’s MVP past doesn’t mask his recent batting woes and strikeout sprees. The Angels already have Mike Trout, so where does another big bat fit?

Plus, Cody Bellinger’s offensive struggles might clash with Trout’s prowess. Moreno’s history of misdealing splashy, risky, and long-term contracts is well documented. Is Bellinger another Josh Hamilton or Albert Pujols waiting to happen? The Angels need offensive firepower, but Bellinger’s ‘22 inconsistency and the hefty price tag could be a swing-and-miss.

Read More: Is Cody Bellinger’s Prolonged Free Agency a Saving Grace for the Chicago Cubs?

So, will Bellinger still hold out for that mega-deal from another team like the Halos? Maybe. But with Scott Boras at the negotiating table, that could take forever. And while he waits, the Cubs will be whispering sweet nothings about Wrigley rooftops and deep-dish pizzas. The odds are looking good, Chicago. Maybe you should get ready to welcome Bellinger home; the North Side might just be his happy ending.