Heading into the MLB offseason, the New York Yankees seemed like the likeliest MLB free-agency destination for Cody Bellinger. The Yankees were linked to Bellinger prior to the 2023 trade deadline, and their need for outfield help made Bellinger the perfect fit. But now, Bellinger's free-agency outlook is quite different.

New York acquired Juan Soto via trade, and their need for Bellinger has decreased. The Chicago Cubs, who signed Bellinger for the 2023 season, have emerged as the favorite to land the outfielder in free agency, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.

“I think the favorite right now has to be the Cubs,” Heyman said, via B/R Walk-Off. “Rule out the Yankees. The Jays have done some stuff, so I still think they could do it… But to me, look, the Cubs haven't done anything except for the manager, right? They bring in a new manager. Do we really expect them to end up doing nothing? And we know they are looking at offense.”

Not only did Heyman state that the Cubs are the favorite, but he also ruled the Yankees out of the Bellinger sweepstakes. He added that despite recently signing Kevin Kiermaier, the Toronto Blue Jays could still sign Bellinger.

But the Cubs are apparently the team to watch as Cody Bellinger's free agency continues.

Yankees out, Cubs heating up in Cody Bellinger's free agency?

If the Yankees really are out, that leaves Chicago and Toronto as the likeliest landing destinations for Bellinger. The San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners are also possibilities.

For New York, their acquisitions of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo leave them with a full outfield along with Aaron Judge. There simply is not room for Bellinger.

The Cubs were expected to be aggressive this offseason but haven't done much aside from hiring a new manager in Craig Counsell. As Heyman noted, it would be surprising to see Chicago enter the new season without making any big additions in free agency or via trade.

We will continue to monitor and provide updates on Bellinger's free agency as they are made available.