Could the Padres Be a Fit for Former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger?

The Padres could use a lefty in their lineup...

Is Cody Bellinger a viable target for the San Diego Padres? 

In terms of fit, there might not be a better player for San Diego's needs. He's an above-average defender at a position of need (centerfield). With the projected lineup appearing to be very right-handed in nature, acquiring a lefty with some pop would be ideal. 

When further factoring in Bellinger's speed on the basepaths, as well as his experience in the NL West, this would seem like a no-brainer move. 

However, there's one detail hanging over this entire situation: Money. 

San Diego has a lot of it tied up in three players (Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado). Multiple reports insist that the team is looking to shed payroll. 

Updated Cody Bellinger Odds

⚾ Chicago Cubs +200
⚾ Toronto Blue Jays +225
⚾ San Francisco Giants +325
⚾ Seattle Mariners +600
⚾ San Diego Padres +850
⚾ The Field +1250https://t.co/AfMG2wYCG2pic.twitter.com/B1tQAxiPhI

— Bookies.com (@bookies) January 4, 2024

In an article written by Bleacher Report reporter Zachary D. Rymer, he touched on Bellinger's market. Among the teams listed are the Padres. While the fit on paper is essentially perfect, the logistics behind a possible move -- according to Rymer -- seem tough to overcome: 

"The trade that sent Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees was an obvious cost-cutting maneuver on the Padres' part, but at least they've been willing to reinvest the savings. They also tried to make a bigger splash on outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who got $113 million from the San Francisco Giants. Could the pursuit of Lee indicate San Diego is aware that [Jose] Azocar isn't an ideal option for center field? If so, Bellinger remains the biggest possible upgrade, and there would be the bonus of his left-handed stick balancing a lineup that currently leans right."

Rymer elaborates further: 

"It doesn't take much for this concept to fall apart, though. If they couldn't get Lee, it's hard to imagine the Padres spending more than twice as much on Bellinger. Maybe in past winters, of course, but not one in which the club may want to get its payroll below $200 million."

While the thought of having Bellinger patrol center field at Petco seems like a fantastic idea, conventional wisdom suggests this move not coming to fruition. 

Instead, look for the Padres to go for a cheaper option. Michael A. Taylor could be a player fitting the proverbial bill.