The defining theme of Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs’ talks has been the lack of competition for the North Siders. While multiple names have come in, none have been strong enough to replace the Cubbies as the favorites for Cody Love. That has put Bellinger and his agent Scott Boras on shaky ground. However, despite not looking like it, Bellinger does have a few “options” with him. 

While going back to the Cubs remains an obvious direction, putting all your eggs in one basket is seldom good. Perhaps that’s why Boras has kept his doors open. While the Windy City is playing with the assumption that they’re alone, there’s a growing chance that this story has more than what meets the eye.

Cody Bellinger could take his free agency in a surprising direction

Top Insider Jon Heyman recently appeared in the Mully and Haugh Show on 670 The Score. During the podcast, the panel discussed the free agencies of the Boras Four and wondered when the dominoes would start to fall. Because the show tailors to fans in Chicago, the discussion automatically shifted towards Bellinger and the Cubs. To this, Heyman said that he wouldn’t “guarantee” that Cubs are the “only option” for Bellinger.

The insider gave multiple reasons for this belief. The chief among them was Bellinger’s quality and suitability in various teams. Terming Bellinger and Matt Chapman as two best position players in the market, Heyman said they’re bound to get signed. He then named quite a few potential places for Bellinger and Chapman.

The teams linked with these two players include Los Angeles Angels, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the San Francisco Giants. So as it stands, the Cubs might be seeing competition soon. However, one needs to remember that none of these are new links. They’ve been here since the beginning, but with the Cubs talks stalling, could the chances of these suitors increase?

Read more: Chicago Cubs in Trouble With Star Infielder? Stalled Cody Bellinger Talks Highlight Underwhelming Off-Season

But here’s the catch – if the Cubs haven’t matched Bellinger’s demands, neither have these teams. So, irrespective of suitors, there is a genuine blockage regarding Belli’s free agency.

Why the Scott Boras client remain a free agent in the Spring Training

Nearly all of the suitors have been going through their own issues. The Giants have their pitching crisis to focus on, the Blue Jays have already strengthened their infield, and the Angels aren’t eager to spend money despite losing Shohei Ohtani. All of this has led to the likes of Bellinger and Chapman remaining unsigned this late in the offseason. Add to that the inherent risk of signing Bellinger to a long deal.

Executives still aren’t sure which Bellinger they will get – the MVP or the 2020-2022’s fallen star. His 2023 was great, but his low hard-hit rate was worrisome. So, in a way, multiple things have combined to create this issue. But the fact that Belli still has options could change the trajectory of his talks with the Cubs.

Read more: Chicago Cubs Eye Cody Bellinger Backup Plan? Exploring Alternative Offensive Options Amidst Scott Boras Stalemate