1 clear favorite emerging for Cody Bellinger?

Apr 28, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger (24) returns to the dugout after the third inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Bellinger may ultimately end up going … absolutely nowhere.

Appearing Friday on “B/R Walk-Off,” MLB insider Jon Heyman said that the favorites right now to sign Bellinger are the Chicago Cubs. Heyman notes the Cubs are looking at offense and have yet to do much of anything this offseason other than hiring Craig Counsell to be their new manager.

The former NL MVP Bellinger, 28, signed with the Cubs last winter and enjoyed a renaissance year with them (after several straight seasons of injury-riddled and/or shoddy play with the Los Angeles Dodgers). He hit a career-high .307 with 26 homers and 97 RBIs in 130 games and won a Silver Slugger Award. Bellinger was also said to enjoy his time with the Cubs, who finished a respectable 83-79.

The Cubs have long been mentioned as a frontrunner for Bellinger in free agency this winter along with the Toronto Blue Jays. But the Jays recently brought back center fielder Kevin Kiermaier and may add a different free agent outfielder as well. With a third prospective suitor seemingly out on Bellinger too, this may be Chicago’s race to lose at this point.