GOOD NEWS: Former MVP Becomes Natural Phillies Target if They Whiff on Juan Soto

As the MLB offseason heats up, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves at a pivotal crossroads in shaping their 2024 roster. With a powerful core led by Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler, the Phillies are looking to add another marquee piece to propel them past the NLCS hurdle. Juan Soto, the 25-year-old superstar, is undoubtedly atop their wish list. But should the Phillies fall short in landing Soto, a former MVP could emerge as a natural and compelling alternative: Cody Bellinger.

Why Juan Soto Is the Top Priority

Juan Soto has long been regarded as one of baseball’s most dynamic talents. Known for his elite plate discipline, power, and clutch performances, Soto would seamlessly fit into the Phillies’ lineup. Pairing him with Bryce Harper would create a left-handed duo capable of terrorizing opposing pitchers for years to come. Additionally, Soto’s youth and proven track record make him a perfect complement to the Phillies’ win-now aspirations and long-term goals.

However, the pursuit of Soto comes with significant hurdles. The San Diego Padres, who currently hold Soto under contract for one more season, are reportedly listening to trade offers, but the price tag will be steep. Even for an aggressive spender like Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, surrendering a large haul of prospects or young talent may prove challenging.

Enter Cody Bellinger

If the Phillies miss out on Soto, Cody Bellinger represents a natural fallback option—and potentially the smarter one. The 2019 NL MVP rejuvenated his career in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, slashing .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. After a couple of down years marred by injuries and inconsistency, Bellinger’s resurgence demonstrated his ability to return to elite form.

Why Bellinger Fits the Phillies

1. Versatility: Bellinger’s ability to play both center field and first base provides the Phillies with much-needed flexibility. With Bryce Harper transitioning back to the outfield and Rhys Hoskins’ future uncertain, Bellinger could fill gaps wherever necessary.
2. Left-Handed Power: Much like Soto, Bellinger brings another potent left-handed bat to the lineup. His power would thrive at Citizens Bank Park, one of MLB’s most hitter-friendly stadiums.
3. Affordability: While Bellinger won’t come cheap after his bounce-back season, his price tag will likely be lower than Soto’s, both in terms of a contract and trade assets. Signing Bellinger as a free agent allows the Phillies to keep their top prospects while still upgrading their lineup significantly.
4. Upside: At 28 years old, Bellinger is still in his prime. If his 2023 season was a true return to form, the Phillies could secure a cornerstone player without the long-term risk associated with a Soto mega-deal.

Potential Roadblocks

Pursuing Bellinger isn’t without challenges. His strong 2023 season means he’ll attract interest from multiple teams, potentially driving up his market value. Additionally, some teams may view him as a risk given his struggles in 2021 and 2022. The Phillies must weigh the balance of investing heavily in a player who has shown both elite production and inconsistency.

Conclusion

The Phillies are entering the 2024 season with one goal: a World Series title. Adding Juan Soto would undoubtedly elevate their chances, but missing out on him doesn’t mean their offseason would be a failure. Cody Bellinger, a former MVP with a lot to prove, offers an excellent Plan B that could bolster the team’s depth and championship hopes.

As Dave Dombrowski continues to work his magic this offseason, Phillies fans can rest assured that the team will remain aggressive, whether it’s in pursuit of Soto, Bellinger, or another blockbuster addition.