After a disappointing 2024 campaign that ended in an NLDS loss to the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a transformative offseason, with a focus on outfield improvements. And one name generating significant buzz? Former MVP Cody Bellinger.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently spotlighted the Phillies as a potential landing spot for Bellinger among eight other teams, including the Cubs, Mariners, Giants, Blue Jays, and Astros. With the outfielder/first baseman potentially eyeing free agency, Bellinger would bring both flexibility and a left-handed power bat that Philadelphia could find invaluable.
Bellinger’s 2024 Performance: A Mixed Bag, But Consistent Production
Bellinger, who spent 2024 with the Cubs, had a respectable season with a .266/.325/.426 line, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs. Though his offensive output has fluctuated in recent years, his defensive versatility and ability to play center field, both corners, and first base adds value. That versatility is particularly attractive to a Phillies team that struggled with consistency in their outfield. According to FanGraphs, Philadelphia’s center fielders combined for an 80 wRC+, ranking among MLB’s worst.
A strong, versatile defender like Bellinger could be a game-changer, helping to address one of the Phillies’ most glaring weaknesses. If the team were to move forward with a deal, Bowden estimates it would likely land in the four-year, $112 million range.
Dombrowski’s Open-Minded Approach to Offseason Upgrades
The Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, has made it clear the organization is ready to explore any option that bolsters the roster’s championship potential. “I do think it’s a club capable of winning a world championship,” Dombrowski said after the season, adding that the team would remain “open-minded to making adjustments” to improve.
For the Phillies, adding Bellinger could signal a renewed championship push, especially as the team looks to bolster a roster that ranked 18th in outfield offense. A big swing with a proven talent like Bellinger could make all the difference in a competitive NL East.
The Road Ahead for Bellinger: Decision Time on Opting Out
Bellinger faces a pivotal decision on whether to opt out of his current contract with the Cubs, where he signed a three-year, $80 million deal with annual opt-outs. In September, he expressed uncertainty about entering free agency again, acknowledging he hadn’t yet discussed the choice with his family. “You think about it, but…I honestly have no idea,” he said at the time, leaving his future open-ended.
However, with free agency now on the horizon and significant interest likely from contenders like the Phillies, Bellinger may be ready to chase a bigger payday. His agent, Scott Boras, had initially sought a long-term deal worth over $200 million for him last offseason. While that level of commitment didn’t materialize, Bellinger’s improved 2024 campaign might bring him closer to that goal.
An Ideal Fit in Philly?
A move to Philadelphia would allow Bellinger to join a team hungry for a title after their 2024 setback. His left-handed power would complement a lineup that includes stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, while his defensive skills could shore up center field and add depth at first base. The potential pairing of Bellinger with the Phillies is tantalizing, and if Dombrowski is as open to making adjustments as he claims, Bellinger could be the exact piece Philadelphia needs to reclaim a spot among the league’s elite.
