Cody Bellinger semi-maybe plausible scenario

[weneedneshek]

To begin, if a long term high dollar offer materializes for Bellinger this offseason, the Twins will certainly not be the ones signing him to it. The scenario I am curious to discuss is if one doesn't.

Coming off one good year with suspect peripherals after multiple bad ones may cause a lot of teams to hesitate signing him to the type of 6/$150M+ deal he is probably looking for. Would a shorter term 'prove-it' deal similar to what Correa ended up having to accept be something the Twins would pursue?

With a lot of signs pointing to the Twins procuring another quality starting pitcher via trade, that would leave some room in the budget for a signing of this type if Polanco or Kepler are moved. As far as fit there is a lot to like. Bellinger can play both 1B and CF to cover the holes Buxton and Kirilloff will inevitably create, and if Kepler is moved he can be our everyday right fielder when the former 2 are healthy. He also hit left handed pitchers better than right handed pitchers last year, a lefty bat we don't need to platoon would be a sight for sore eyes.

In general terms I would think the deal could be anywhere from 1/$25M to 3/$75M with player opt outs after each year similar to what Correa did. Just another thought exercise that piqued my interest during this dull offseason

 

 

 

[chpettit19]

He got that "prove-it" deal last year. I'd be very surprised to see him take a 2nd one. Although, I believe Boras has come out and said it'll take 200 mil to sign him so there's a chance the market he's expecting never materializes and he does something crazy. But I'd be quite surprised. Would be fun as a Twins fan if this played out like this, though!

[nicksaviking]

I agree that a short term deal doesn't seem likely. Also, he started off a bit slow last year, so if he were to do another 'prove it' deal, I'd guess it won't be in Minnesota where April baseball isn't very fun.

And regardless of payroll, I wouldn't want Bellinger on a long term big-budget deal. One good year after three poor years gives me next to no confidence that last year's production is what to expect.

[SteveLV]

No chance.  It would be waiving the white flag forever on Buxton, Bellinger is WAY out of the Twins' budget.  He is a somewhat risky signing based on past performance.

Big market teams do this.  The Twins will and do not.

(Now watch the Twins announce a singing in 15 minutes and shock the heck out of all of us!)

[Mike Sixel]

I mean, if you sign him, you have to consider him CF/LF/1B.......insurance for Buxton, clearly. It all depends on what the Twins think of Buxton's health.

All that said, I can't see it. Not with Buxton on the payroll. Also, I'm not convinced he's "back".