Cody Bellinger sweepstakes enter new phase and these 5 teams are now in front

Cody Bellinger sweepstakes enter new phase and these 5 teams are now in front originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It makes you wonder what was being whispered at the GM Meetings. In ESPN's annual survey of MLB executives, none predicted Cody Bellinger would return to the New York Yankees. 

That's pretty shocking because Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that was a priority.

So who are the Yankees' biggest obstacles to bringing back Bellinger? Here are five who would be glad to steal him away.

1. New York Mets

The Brandon Nimmo trade changed the landscape. The Mets suddenly have an outfield vacancy and pressure to add a middle-of-the-order bat. Bellinger fits all of it, plus his ability to play first base gives New York a hedge if the Alonso negotiations turn messy. Multiple execs believe Queens now makes more sense than the Bronx.

2. Chicago Cubs

If the Cubs can't bring back Kyle Tucker, maybe they can bring back Bellinger. It seems like a long shot from the outside after the Cubs were happy to trade him to the Yankees last year.  The Cubs still need an impact outfield bat and Bellinger is one.  Even if they’re not the most aggressive spender, they’re viewed as the “comfort fit,” which executives always treat as a real threat.

3. San Francisco Giants

The Giants are perpetually hunting for an anchor hitter and are built to make quiet, high-impact offers. Their ballpark rewards athletic outfield defense, which amplifies Bellinger’s value. Execs mention them as a stealth contender every winter and this one is no different.

4. Seattle Mariners

Seattle wants athleticism and run creation. They need a left-handed bat with power, and they’ve been more aggressive in recent years than people realize. Bellinger checks every box.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

If Toronto pivots into a lineup reset, especially if Bo Bichette leaves, Bellinger becomes one of the few bats who can reshuffle their offense immediately.

Bellinger’s market now sits in the rarest category: wide open, unpredictable and potentially shaped by one team’s next bold move.