Blue Jays once again miss out on long-time target as division rival lands him in trade with Cubs

The Toronto Blue Jays have been caught watching their division rivals New York Yankees in action this offseason. Despite failing to retain Juan Soto, the Yankees have sure more than made up for it by signing elite starting pitcher Max Fried and trading for one of the best closers in the game in Devin Williams.

This week, New York was at it again when they acquired former MVP outfielder Cody Bellinger along with cash from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet. This one though has to hurt for the Blue Jays and their fans. After all, Bellinger had been a prime target that Toronto had been chasing for quite some time now, dating all the way to last offseason in free agency.

Blue Jays once again miss out on long-time target as division rival lands him in trade with Cubs

In fact, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Jays actually had shown interest in trading for the 29-year-old star outfielder right before the trade with the Yankees went through on Tuesday. To make matters worse, Heyman indicated that the Jays’ interest helped the Cubs get the deal that they wanted from the Yankees. Therefore, it sounds like Toronto lent a hand in helping the trade go through to their division rivals.

Bellinger could have been a key piece of the Jays’ roster for the upcoming 2025 season. Having averaged 32 home runs and 96 RBI over a 162-game schedule throughout his career, he would have been the huge offensive boost at the plate that Toronto sorely needed. In 2024, Bellinger still managed some solid production numbers despite a down season, as he batted .266 with a .751 OPS, along with 72 runs scored, 23 doubles, 18 home runs and 78 RBI in 130 games played with the Cubs. 

On top of that, as a former Gold Glove winner as well, the Jays wouldn’t have to sacrifice much defense in the field to get him into the lineup. Last season, Bellinger registered three outfield assists along with a solid .990 fielding percentage, committing just two errors over 94 games playing in the outfield for Chicago. In addition, with his ability to play all three outfield positions, it would have given the Jays added flexibility in his deployment as well.

All in all, it turns out now that not only did the Jays miss out on an elite player that they have kept tabs on for more than a year’s time, but to lose him to their arch nemesis Yankees is just pouring salt on the wound. With that, the Jays better start getting in more on the action soon before all of their potential options start disappearing in front of their eyes before they know it.