Potential landing spots for Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger picked a perfect time for a comeback season.

The former MVP looked like a shell of himself in 2021 and 2022. He produced a disappointing .193/.256/.355 batting line in his 900 plate appearances, hitting 29 homers and 36 doubles. He claimed those struggles were due to injury and that he was fully healthy heading into 2023. His decision to bet on himself, taking a one-year deal with the Cubs, paid off. Bellinger posted a .307/.356/.525 batting line in his 556 plate appearances, hitting 26 homers and 29 doubles. It was exactly the type of season he had hoped for.

Bellinger is looking to cash in on that performance. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Bellinger wants over $200M in his next contract. The problem is that no one seems willing to spend that amount. As Mark Feinsand at MLB.com reported, Bellinger's market has been quiet.

Bellinger will eventually sign somewhere. Let's take a look at three possible landing spots.

Chicago Cubs

Feinsand also noted in his report on Bellinger's market that the expectation is that he will return to the Cubs. It is just a matter of his price coming down. Bellinger is still a fit with the Cubs as their lineup lacks left-handed power. He could patrol center until the Cubs feel Pete Crow-Armstrong is ready offensively before slotting back at first base. Michael Busch is penciled in as the starter at first, but he can also fill the Cubs' hole at third. Bellinger could fix multiple issues on the Cubs roster - it is just a matter of the two sides agreeing to a deal.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels made it clear that they are not looking to rebuild. Although those comments came before Shohei Ohtani departed, they have remained true to their word, making several moves to bolster their pitching staff. However, Aaron Hicks is the only notable signing when it comes to the lineup. This is a problem that the Angels are well aware of as David Vassegh said on "Dodger Talk" that the team has spoken to Scott Boras about Bellinger. The Angels need a left-handed hitting outfielder and his presence could help protect Mike Trout's health. Owner Arte Moreno tends to spend on hitters, and adding a player who was a star in Los Angeles could be too much to pass up.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants were linked to Bellinger even before the season ended. Back at the beginning of September, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Giants would be aggressive in their pursuit of Bellinger. In November, Nightengale further reported that the Giants are one of the co-favorites to land the resurgent outfielder. There is a place for him on the roster - Jung Hoo Lee is currently listed atop the depth chart in center but may fit best in left. Bellinger would allow the Giants to move Lee over in the outfield. Couple his defense with his impact power, and the Giants could have one of the players needed to keep up with the Dodgers.