MLB Rumors: Cody Bellinger has a ton of potential suitors this offseason
Cody Bellinger is in the middle of a career revitalizing season with the Chicago Cubs which couldn't have come at a better time. He finds himself in a contract year, with a mutual option for the 2024 season that will absolutely be declined because of his production this year.
On the season, the breakout outfielder is slashing .331/.382/.557 with 17 home runs and 18 doubles. He will likely be worth a ton of money during the offseason. He's been even hotter as of late.
Plenty of teams could find a fit for Bellinger on their roster, but not every team is going to be able to pay him what he's worth. One team that may not have an issue with dishing out a huge contract is the New York Yankees. He would fit well in the Yankees outfield, providing them with a left-handed power bat in the middle of their lineup. There's obviously a fit in Chicago with the Cubs, if they're willing to dish the money out.
Outside of Chicago and New York, a team like the Mariners or Guardians could be aggressive suitors for Bellinger. The Mariners have made aggressive moves in recent memory. A signing of Bellinger could be the next aggressive move for them, placing Bellinger in the outfield with Julio Rodriguez for the next few years.
MLB Rumors: Bravescould pursue a trade for David Bednar in the offseason
David Bednar encompasses the entire city of Pittsburgh and he's given them a reliable closer over his tenure with the Pirates. But the Pirates remain in turmoil, rebuilding their roster from the ground up. Bednar remains under contract through 2026, giving him more value to the team and the trade market right now than he'll ever have.
A potential trade was discussed for David Bednar in the middle of the trade deadline hysteria, but nothing ever came together for a deal. With that being said, a potential trade will more than likely be discussed and even come to fruition in the offseason, as noted by Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report.
One suitor who could definitely provide the prospect capital for Bednar is the Atlanta Braves. This is the exact kind of move that could elevate the Braves to nearly untouchable.
The Braves could be willing to move some of their position player prospects because of their controllable depth at the major league level. Adding Bednar would solidify the backend of the bullpen for the next few years. Alex Anthopolous is a magician when it comes to making trades and he very well could work his magic with the Pirates front office this offseason.
MLB Rumors: The Astros make their intentions with Kyle Tucker known
The Houston Astros had holes to fill at the trade deadline and they made these holes their priorities, acquiring Justin Verlander among others at the deadline. Now with trades in the rear-view mirror, they look toward re-signing some of their top talent as their biggest priority for now. One of those players is Kyle Tucker, who currently has two years of arbitration left.
"Let me put it to you this way. Kyle Tucker will be a Houston Astro. We feel strongly about getting it done and I feel he will be an Astro for the rest of his career. We'll get it done," Astros general manager Dana Brown was quoted saying on SportsTalk790, in regard to a future with Kyle Tucker.
Tucker has been a staple in the Astros lineup, having one of the best years of his career. His current slash line is .297/.377/.512, while hitting 20 home runs and 28 doubles. Along with that, he's only struck out 62 times compared to 55 walks on the year, which is a tremendous ratio to hold this far into the season.
Re-signing Kyle Tucker is a huge step for the Astros, and they are making it their clear priority heading into the off-season.