Angels Rumors: Former MVP Linked to Halos in Free Agency
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The Los Angeles Angels have a lot of work to do this winter if they want to field a competitive team next year. After another poor season, the Halos playoff drought continued, but they are determined to change that fact.
It remains to be seen what will happen with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, but the Halos know that they can only do so much. They have to focus on improving the team in other ways as well, and they are being seen as a landing spot for some of the better players that will be available.
MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic has linked the Angels with a former National League MVP, and it could see them landing one of the best players from this past season. Outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs looks to be a free agent this winter, and the Angels could have major interest in landing his services.
“Contract prediction: Six years, $144 million: This year, Cody Bellinger was the perfect example of what a change of scenery can do for a player. He slashed .307/.356/.525 with 29 doubles, 26 home runs, 95 runs scored and 97 RBIs while stealing 20 bases in 26 attempts. He’s the front-runner for NL Comeback Player of the Year and his value has spiked to the highest it’s been since he was the NL MVP in 2019, so it’s the ideal time for him to enter free agency. Beyond his bat, Bellinger provides terrific versatility, as he can play first base and all three outfield positions at an above-average level. After years of struggles at the plate, he’s figured it out and now ranks as the best position player not named Ohtani in this free-agent class.”
Bellinger could return to Southern California, only this time put on a red jersey. It makes a ton of sense for the Angels to go after him this offseason, especially if they lose out on retaining Ohtani this winter.
He is still only 28 years old, so there is time to grow with the young guys on the Halos roster. Bellinger could take on a leadership role with the Angels, all while being paid in the process.
This is exactly the type of move that owner Arte Moreno would make, and Bellinger could provide them with a solid bat for years to come. While the Angels haven’t seen much success on the field, this could be a nice move to start getting that process going.
