The Cody Bellinger sweepstakes are heating up, and while the New York spotlight has been firmly fixed on the Yankees and Mets, don’t sleep on the Toronto Blue Jays. According to recent reports, the Jays are lurking-and they might just be ready to make their move.
Let’s start with where things stand: the Yankees have a five-year, $160 million offer on the table for Bellinger. That’s a serious bid, no doubt.
But it’s also one they reportedly aren’t budging from. And that opens the door for a team like Toronto-or the Mets-to swoop in and outbid them.
For the Blue Jays, this could be the moment to strike. They came into the offseason with a sense of urgency and a clear plan to retool.
Landing Dylan Cease was a strong opening statement, bolstering a rotation that needed a high-end arm. Then came the signing of Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, a move that added both upside and intrigue to their infield.
But momentum has cooled in recent weeks. Kyle Tucker, a top target, landed with the Dodgers.
Then came the gut punch-Bo Bichette heading to the Mets. That’s a franchise cornerstone gone, and a major hole in the lineup.
Enter Bellinger.
He’s not a one-to-one replacement for Tucker, but he checks a lot of similar boxes. Left-handed power, positional versatility, and yes-he can handle centerfield, which adds real value. If Tucker was worth $350 million over 10 years in the Jays’ eyes, then Bellinger at $160 million over five should be well within reach.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. It’s about making a statement.
The Blue Jays are still in a window where a World Series run is more than just a dream-it’s a real possibility. But they need one more big swing to get there.
Bellinger could be that swing.
His resurgence last season reminded everyone of the MVP-level talent he still possesses. That smooth lefty stroke played beautifully in the Bronx, and it could do just as much damage north of the border. He brings postseason experience, defensive flexibility, and a bat that can change a game with one swing.
The Yankees seem content to stand pat. The Mets are in the mix, but Toronto has the financial flexibility and the motivation to make this happen. If they want to stay in the thick of the AL race-and keep their fanbase energized-it’s time to go all-in.
Bellinger might not have been Plan A, but he could end up being the move that defines this offseason for the Blue Jays.