#cody-bellinger

#cody-bellinger

David Stearns better have some kind of backup plan, and it more likely than not should include Cody Bellinger. The New York Mets' president of baseball operations has effectively given himself a clean slate. After taking accountability for a team that had World Series hopes, but instead imploded and missed the postseason altogether, he has parted ways with key foundational figures of the organization.

Much of the buzz surrounding the Phillies this winter has concerned their efforts to re-sign one or both or Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto. Since either of those free agents might well end up leaving Philadelphia for another team, the Phils have also been doing their due diligence on other major free agents or trade targets, including Tatsuya Imai and Ketel Marte.

Kyle Tucker is the top free agent available and figures to be in line for a lucrative long-term contract, particularly with the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees among the potential suitors. In a recent poll of some general managers, the Dodgers, Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays were predicted as the most-likely landing spot for Tucker. The Dodgers do have a need in the outfield and the 28-year-old Tucker conceivably would help extend their window as World Series contenders.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a major decision to make surrounding All-Star third baseman Max Muncy. The 35-year-old slugger broke out of quite the slump during the first two months of the season and batted .258 with a .880 OPS and 17 home runs before he suffered an oblique strain in mid August. In other news, specifically for those who claim that the Dodgers are ruining baseball, Game 7 of the World Series hit historic television ratings across the United States, Canada, and Japan.

The All-Star Game featured a thrilling ninth-inning comeback and a swing-off to determine the winner, showcasing a gripping and competitive match.

Cody Bellinger made a stunning catch and threw a quick, 89.9 mph ball to first base, completing a double play against Francisco Lindor, who didn't slide.