Cubs Eye Bellinger as Offseason Heats Up

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Cubs Eye Bellinger as Offseason Heats Up

The MLB offseason is buzzing with activity as teams make strategic moves to bolster their rosters. The Chicago Cubs are particularly focused on enhancing their lineup, with widespread belief that Cody Bellinger will re-sign with the team if his asking price decreases. Bellinger has also attracted interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners, indicating a competitive market for the talented outfielder.

The Cubs have already made significant strides in addressing their pitching needs by signing Japanese lefty Shōta Imanaga to a four-year deal and reportedly reaching a one-year agreement with reliever Hector Neris. However, the team is still in search of a proven bat to complement their lineup, having only acquired infielder Michael Busch thus far.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing free agents Justin Turner and J.D. Martinez to fill the gaps left by departing players Matt Chapman and Brandon Belt. Turner, who played for the Boston Red Sox in 2023, is also drawing interest from the Giants, Mets, and Cubs, and is expected to make a decision on his free agency soon.

Noah Syndergaard, a free-agent starter, showcased his potential during a recent bullpen session, attracting attention from around 16 teams, including the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a challenging season last year with a 6.50 ERA, Syndergaard demonstrated signs of regaining his velocity, consistently throwing between 93-95 mph.

Jorge Soler is another prominent name in the free-agent market, with his stock rising as teams look to strengthen their hitting. The offseason has seen a flurry of activity, with several top pitchers still seeking new homes, including Jack Flaherty, Max Scherzer, and José Quintana.

As teams prepare for the 2025 season, the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers are projected to perform well, with the Yankees expected to lead the pack with a projected 94 wins. The offseason moves and player acquisitions will play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball in the coming year.

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