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Pirates Eyeing Shock $400M+ Cody Bellinger Deal?
6 Dec
Summary
- Pirates may pursue Cody Bellinger in a surprise free-agent signing.
- Team's payroll could drastically increase for the first time since 2016.
- Other 'dream' MLB offseason deals are also being discussed.
The Pittsburgh Pirates might be preparing for a significant payroll increase, a move not seen since 2016. With star prospect Paul Skenes on the roster, the team is looking to capitalize on a competitive window. Despite previous expectations, insider Jim Bowden suggests the Pirates could be serious contenders for Cody Bellinger, potentially striking a surprising deal.
Bowden's analysis points to a scenario where the Pirates would drastically increase spending, with Bellinger reportedly open to the move. This hypothetical contract would likely exceed his $25 million opt-out for 2026 and represent nearly half of the Pirates' current projected payroll of $66 million. Such a signing would mark a dramatic shift in the team's financial approach.
Beyond Pittsburgh, Bowden also outlined other ambitious offseason predictions. These include a major trade sending Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers and a massive ten-year, $427 million contract for Kyle Tucker with the New York Yankees, despite their current payroll projections.
