Astros linked to former MVP who called them out during cheating scandal originally appeared on The Sporting News
Many players were outspoken during the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, with Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers being one of the most vocal about the Astros’ actions.
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He even said that Jose Altuve stole an MVP from Aaron Judge, which might not be wrong in some sense.
However, Bellinger is set to hit the free agency market again this offseason if he opts out of his final year and $25 million contract, which many expect to happen to secure a long-term contract.
Could Cody Bellinger land with the Astros?
If the Astros want to get involved, there’s reason to believe it could make sense for both sides. Of course, the Astros and Bellinger would have to put their differences aside, but if he wants to win and get paid, Houston could offer him that opportunity.
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Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes the same, naming him a potential fit for Houston.
“Bellinger is in the second year of a three-year, $80 million contract, though most expect him to opt out of the final year and $25 million to test free agency this winter. After an uneven 2024 campaign with the Cubs, Bellinger has thrived in the Bronx, belting 24 home runs with 75 RBIs and an .823 OPS in 116 games, putting him on track for his second 4-WAR season in three years. The versatile slugger has been a perfect fit for the Yankees, but other teams could try to pry the former NL MVP away from New York with the long-term deal that has evaded him to this point.
“Potential fits: Astros, Phillies, Yankees,” he wrote.
MORE:Did the Astros skip over a familiar face to sign Craig Kimbrel?
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Bellinger has really figured things out again offensively during the 2025 campaign for the Yankees.
There have been parts over the past few years where he’s struggled a bit, but since joining the Chicago Cubs in 2023, he’s been great.
He has a 124 OPS+ and 24 home runs this season.