Cody Bellinger is the most talked-about prospect in the MLB Hot Stove free agency right now. Despite a sluggish progression of his market, speculations keep on forming surrounding the prospective deals and the teams who have enough resources to make one, in the first place – considering his sky-high asking price. As the New Year approaches, so does an evident wondering: who will be the ultimate Bellinger champion to mark an end to his free agency?

As recent reports have revealed, the Yankees have completely stepped away from the Cody Bellinger contention this offseason. That leaves five teams vying to lock him down on their rotations. Although one of the said teams is currently in uncharted waters, the rest four are more than serious about going after Cody Love. What are their reasons?

Which teams are going after Cody Bellinger despite his prolonged market – and why?

Apart from his former clubhouse, the Chicago Cubs, Cody Bellinger is the prime target of four other teams. While the Blue Jays were in the lead with the Cubs from the very start, their current draft has made the probability of them clinching Bellinger much lesser.

A power hitter like Cody Love has attracted the Boston Red Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers, but the latter have not revealed much about their Bellinger approach. However, according to Call To The Pen, a surprise competitor has stepped into the market in recent days.

The Miami Marlins are emerging as a dark horse for Cody Bellinger with one goal in mind. Securing a dynamic veteran like him in their otherwise developing rotation.

The team can certainly use Bellinger’s expertise, with his versatility of laying in a multitude of posts other than just 3B giving an edge to their desire of clinching him. While their vibrant team ambiance could prove to be better than perfect choice for Bellinger to thrive in, his $300 million price tag remains affordable by very few. Cue the Red Sox.

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The BoSox are notorious for going after talent regardless of their price tag, considering the team has a net worth of $4.1 billion. Affording Bellinger would not be a hassle for them. The Cubs, however, are seemingly taking an unconventional approach of slowly inching toward the slugger.

Bellinger’s former team is playing with patience. They want to wait until the market cools down and the player has no options left but to negotiate a contract that the team can afford. Of course, that can only happen when the leading contender of the team, the Blue Jays, step aside along with the other teams.

Read More: Blue Jays Remain Chicago Cubs’ Biggest Cody Bellinger Threat, Despite Decreasing Interest Amidst $300 Million Sweepstakes

As of right now, the Cubs seem most likely to sign him back by the time New Year arrives. Fans will have to trust time to do justice to the slugger’s fate!