MLB Rumors: Several teams lined up as threats to Cubs for Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger headlines the Chicago Cubs lineup for a reason. He's been their best hitter this season in what's served as the ultimate prove-it deal in a contract year. Bellinger and the Cubs have a mutual option this offseason, but he's more than likely to opt out barring anything unexpected. Scott Boras has made it clear his client expects top dollar in the free-agent market, and there's no guarantee Chicago's front office will match his asking price.
Just a few weeks ago, USA Today's Bob Nightengale put a price on Bellinger's talent. Since then, all Bellinger has done is rake, perhaps increasing his mark beyond what even Nightengale imagined at the time.
"He's had a big year, so I would think that there will be a massive price tag on him, over $100 million. So I think he's going to be sitting out until next February, signing right around spring training… I wouldn't be surprised if they ask for at least $150 million," Nightengale wrote.
Bellinger has posted a .321/.368/.546 slash line with 20 home runs and a 4.0 fWAR through 99 games. In an article by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the insider pitched the Yankees and San Francisco Giants as possible threats for Bellinger. The Houston Astros, while not listed, also make a ton of sense for Bellinger given their void at first base.
Bellinger's positional flexibility (he plays center field) as well as his age (just 28) make him a valuable commodity. He seems to have found his stroke at the right time.
MLB Rumors: A new St. Louis Cardinals pitching target
It might not be fair to consider Blake Snell a new target for the St. Louis Cardinals, but he might be their most realistic ace to target in free agency. Snell has had a career year in San Diego, looking much like the ace of old in Tampa Bay. Feinsand outlined the improvements Snell has made since mid-May, when some wondered if he would survive the season with the Padres:
"On May 19, Snell was 1-6 with a 5.40 ERA after nine starts, leading many to project that the 30-year-old was costing himself a ton of money in free agency. Since then, all he's been isthe best pitcher in baseball, going 9-3 with a 1.48 ERA over his past 17 starts."
A few weeks ago, FanSided's Robert Murray discussed a possible fit for Snell and the Cardinals, suggesting that while unlikely, the Padres ace could be in play for St. Louis.
"The Cardinals typically do not get into bidding wars, which makes pursuits of Urias and Snell challenging. But their need for a starting pitcher has never been greater, especially as they attempt to win with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado on the roster...Mozeliak and the front office will surely make a call on Snell. But it's more likely than not that the left-hander is playing elsewhere next season and beyond."
Murray graded the likelihood of a Snell deal in St. Louis as a 4.5/10, but it should be noted that Mozeliak has noted the need to add high-level starting pitching to the roster this offseason. Come Winter, the Cards old habit could die hard, and it would be for the best.
MLB Rumors: Where will Eduardo Rodriguez land this offseason?
When the Detroit Tigers failed to trade Eduardo Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline, it opened up a can of worms for an organization seemingly in an eternal rebuild. While the Tigers bats have taken a step forward this season, Detroit may not be able to hold onto its ace this winter, when he has a player option to enter free agency.
Considering his strong numbers on the mound, Rodriguez is seen as a guarantee to opt out of his deal, despite how much he may enjoy playing in the Motor City. So, where will Rodriguez land?
While it would be comical for Rodriguez to choose a west coast team, if we're to take him at his word E-Rod values playing on the east coast as it's closer to his family. Feinsand hinted at two potential landing spots for Rodriguez in the Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds.
Both Baltimore and Cincinnati lack front-end pitching right now. Both teams have high-level prospects who should eventually join their big-league rotations. However, Baltimore and Cincinnati are ahead of schedule in terms of their competitive window. If either front office is serious about winning in the short-term, signing Rodriguez to a long-term deal could be in their best interest.
The Orioles ownership has cried poor since the trade deadline, suggesting they may not be able to afford some of their young, core talent when they near free agency. The Reds, meanwhile, seem more willing to spend.