Toronto Blue Jays miss out on blockbuster trade yet again
If there’s one word that describes the Toronto Blue Jays over the past 30 years or so, it’s got to be “almost.”
The franchise has had a penchant for almost making the playoffs, almost winning tight playoff series, almost signing big names in free agency, and occasionally, almost trading for big-name talent.
The last item on the list appeared to come to fruition once again, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
According to Heyman, Toronto was reportedly interested in former MVP outfielder Cody Bellinger, who was sent from the Chicago Cubs to the Jays’ American League East rival, the New York Yankees.
“Blue Jays were also interested in Bellinger. That helped Cubs do the deal they wanted, sending just $5 million to Yanks to offset $52.5 million owed Bellinger over next two years,” Heyman posted on X on Tuesday evening.
While it might be disheartening to Jays fans to see them lose out on another big name, there is some saving grace in knowing that Bellinger has a history of inconsistency from one year to the next.
The 2017 NL Rookie of the Year, 2019 NL MVP, and 2020 World Series winner with the Los Angeles Dodgers is coming off a year far from his best, where in 130 games he hit .266 with 18 homers and 78 RBI for the Cubs.
But Toronto probably could’ve still used his services, if you take a look at the fancier stats. His 2.2 Wins Above Replacement would’ve actually ranked tied for fifth on the 2024 Jays, while his RBI and home run totals would’ve ranked second and third on the team, respectively.
Bellinger is currently heading into the second year of a three-year, $80 million contract he signed with the Cubs prior to last season. The Jays were reportedly interested in Bellinger as a free agent too, but he returned to Chicago after initially joining the franchise in 2023 on a one-year deal.