"Missing out on Tucker hurts because he was such a good fit for the Blue Jays. He's a left-handed batter who rarely strikes out, can draw walks, plays solid outfield defence, and makes good contact, all while hitting second in the lineup. Bellinger is essentially Tucker-lite. Contact? Bellinger can do that, as he hit .272 last season, .266 the year before, and .307 in 2023. That's all while posting a strong strikeout rate, including a career-best 13.7 K% in 2025."
"Defensively, Bellinger has played all three outfield positions and first base in his career. In centre field, he's not what he once was back at his best, but plays passable defence at the position. Last season, Bellinger excelled in right field, posting 8 Defensive Runs Saved, 2 Outs Above Average, and 4 Fielding Run Value. Going forward, right field should be Bellinger's primary position, and the Jays have a need for that."
"Of course, there are concerns. Bellinger has been rather inconsistent in his career. In 2019, he won the National League MVP, then regressed hard over the next three seasons. Joining the Chicago Cubs in 2023, Bellinger tweaked his approach and went on to have a season where he had a 135 wRC+ and 4.4 fWAR. Unfortunately, he was an average hitter the following season."
Bo Bichette produced a 131 wRC+, the best mark of his career, leaving a significant offensive vacancy. The Blue Jays need at least one additional bat, and Cody Bellinger offers contact hitting and versatility. Bellinger hit .272 in 2025, .266 in 2024 and .307 in 2023, with a career-best 13.7 K% and an 8.7 BB% in 2025. He has played all three outfield positions and first base, excelling in right field last season with 8 Defensive Runs Saved, 2 Outs Above Average, and 4 Fielding Run Value. Varsho and Springer enter 2026 in final contract years, increasing urgency to add an outfielder. Career inconsistency remains a concern despite a 135 wRC+ and 4.4 fWAR season in 2023 and 29 home runs last season.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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