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The free agent market is sluggish at the moment. Will any of these players find a contract soon?
Interestingly, there's one big-market club that doesn't get talked about much: the Cubs. They don't really seem to be at the heart of the big issues, even if they have been linked to some pitchers, Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette.
But in reality, the Illinois outfit doesn't seem to have a huge appetite for moving on to the next level.
Kyle Tucker, who cost a lot in terms of assets to give to the Astros a year ago, has always seemed out of the Cubs' price range. But his production will have to be replaced.
If not Kyle Tucker, then who?
“You need someone to say, ‘I'm the man,' and right now, I don't see that with the Cubs lineup,” says @ErikKratz31. pic.twitter.com/IDIvzdBS7H
– Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 4, 2026
And right now, the buzz is that the Cubs are interested in bringing Cody Bellinger back to town.
That's what Jon Heyman (whose ties to Scott Boras are well-documented) reported on Twitter in connection with the man who wore a Cubs uniform in 2023 as well as 2024, before being traded to the Yankees.
Cubs checked in on old friend Cody Bellinger. They're also known to be in touch with Bregman, Bichette and other top players. The incumbent Yankees remain in talks with Bellinger, their stated No. 1 priority. Mets, Dodgers, Giants are among others showing interest in Bellinger.
– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2026
Between you and me, there's a big difference between being on Bellinger's case and making him the kind of offer he and his agent are hoping for. I can't see him signing in Chicago long-term.
But the club is asking around.
The Mets, Dodgers (all his former clubs are talking to him) and Giants would also be in the mix… as would the Yankees, obviously. In the Bronx, bringing back Bellinger is considered the priority of the off-season.
Speaking of the Yankees, a second formal offer has reportedly been made.
Per @joelsherman1, the Yankees have made a second offer to Cody Bellinger in free agency pic.twitter.com/5WiGZqOgwX
– Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 4, 2026
We know that Bellinger wanted to play for the Yankees (like his father back in the day) and that he loved his 2025 year. If he hasn't signed, it's because he's waiting for a better offer from the Bombardiers, in my opinion.
And to see that the Cubs are interested at a time when there is talk of a second offer from the Yankees, leads me to believe that they want to put pressure on Brian Cashman and the Yankees to get a better offer.
- It's true that a club that would make the playoffs at less than .500 in baseball would be the talk of the town.
Congratulations to the Carolina Panthers for reaching the playoffs with an 8-9 record. Of course, if MLB ever had a team in the postseason with a .471 winning percentage, they'd never hear the end of it!
– Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2026
- Kazuma Okamoto: official contract. He will be presented to the Toronto media on Tuesday.
#Bluejays make it official: Team has agreed to terms with INF Kazuma Okamoto on a four-year, $60 million US deal. To make room, RHP Paxton Schultz has been designated for assignment.
– Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) January 4, 2026
This content was created with the help of AI.
