Red Sox Rival Reportedly Could Pursue Former MVP After Missing Out On Shohei Ohtani

It sounds like one Red Sox rival could be in the market for a former MVP

The Boston Red Sox have their work cut out for them in the American League East.

The American League East already was one of the most competitive divisions in baseball last season and already has gotten better this offseason. The New York Yankees won 82 games last season but already have improved this offseason by landing superstar slugger Juan Soto.

Aside from the Yankees, the Baltimore Orioles are expected to get even better after winning 101 games last season as their young core gets another year under their belt. The Toronto Blue Jays won 89 games last season but could also see great improvement this offseason.

Toronto heavily pursued former Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani but missed out on him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now that the Blue Jays missed out on Ohtani, they could turn their focus elsewhere to another star to help the middle of the lineup. 

The Blue Jays reportedly could pursue former Most Valuable Player Cody Bellinger now, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

"Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers leaves the Blue Jays searching for another bat to add to their lineup, one which already includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer," Feinsand said. "Bellinger might be a good fit, as he can play center field (Kevin Kiermaier, who started 111 games there for Toronto last season, is also a free agent) or first base, giving Guerrero an opportunity to get some days as the (designated hitter)."

If the Blue Jays were to land Bellinger, that would be bad news for the Red Sox. Toronto already is in a very solid spot and could win over 90 games next year without a big addition. Landing someone like Bellinger could help put their offense over the top for years to come. 

It's unclear if a move actually will happen, but Red Sox fans should be keeping a close eye on the Blue Jays.

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