Cody Bellinger
On paper, Cody Bellinger represents perhaps one of the best backup options behind Soto. After all, Bellinger has put together an impressive MLB resume that has included NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2017, an NL MVP in 2019, two All-Star nominations, two Silver Slugger Awards, and a Gold Glove Award for good measure.
With 196 home runs and 597 RBI already for his career after spending eight seasons in the big leagues, Bellinger has the ability to average 25+ home runs and 75+ RBI each year all while hitting for a decent average.
This past season with the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger had a slight drop-off from 2023 in which he compiled a stellar .307 batting average and .881 OPS, with 95 runs scored, 26 home runs, 97 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 130 games. In 2024, he batted just a solid .266 with a .751 OPS, with 72 runs scored, 23 doubles, 18 home runs, 78 RBI and nine stolen bases in the same number of games. Despite the overall decrease in offensive numbers, it was still more than what the Phillies got out of their left field or center field positions this past season.
More importantly, Bellinger was able to show his versatility by playing multiple positions in the outfield, along with first base at times. With only two errors committed in 313 total chances across all the positions for a sparkling .994 fielding percentage, he proved that he still has it in terms of solid defense. With that flexibility, the Phillies can certainly get creative with the deployment of Bellinger in their everyday lineup to keep the opposition off guard.
However, it remains to be seen whether Bellinger will opt out of his current contract with the Cubs to even make this outfield free agent option plausible for Philadelphia. Despite some recent prediction rumors indicating that he will likely opt-in to his current deal, anything is still possible between now and the start of free agency as nothing has been set in stone. As a result, the Phillies must prepare themselves to quickly pounce or pivot to whatever ends up materializing.