The San Francisco Giants have made a major move in securing outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, potentially shifting the Cubs' focus towards pursuing Cody Bellinger's services. With the Giants out of the picture, the competition for Bellinger's signature intensifies, with the Blue Jays and Cubs emerging as front-runners.

The Giants recently sealed a lucrative six-year, $113 million deal with former KBO MVP Jung Hoo Lee, solidifying their outfield with a high-ceiling talent. Lee's impressive performance in Korea, including his .318/.406/.455 slash line last season, makes him a valuable addition for the Giants who have been seeking star power. Notably, the deal exceeds projections for the 25-year-old outfielder, with an opt-out option after four years further enhancing its appeal.

This development has significant implications for the Cubs' pursuit of Cody Bellinger. Prior to the Giants' signing, Bellinger was perceived as a must-have addition for the Cubs' successful offseason. However, with the Giants now focusing on bolstering their pitching rotation, the Cubs might have a more favorable path towards securing Bellinger.

Interestingly, the Cubs were among the teams expressing strong interest in Jung Hoo Lee, along with the Blue Jays and Padres. All three clubs are anticipated to be heavily involved in the pursuit of Cody Bellinger. While the Blue Jays, who missed out on signing Shohei Ohtani, are motivated to make a big addition, the Padres' involvement appears to be more speculative. It is possible that the reporting surrounding the Padres' interest is a strategy employed by Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, to drive up the price.

Despite the Giants' acquisition, the Cubs face an uphill battle in retaining Bellinger. The Blue Jays, with their eagerness to make a splash in the offseason, are emerging as a significant threat. In addition, missing out on both Ohtani and Yamamoto, whom they are also targeting, only increases the Blue Jays' urgency to secure a marquee player. While the competition for Bellinger remains fierce, the absence of the Giants' pursuit may work in favor of the Cubs.

The race for Cody Bellinger's services is set to heat up, with the Giants now focused on their pitching needs. As the Blue Jays and Cubs vie for the talented outfielder, the coming days will reveal which team will emerge victorious in securing Bellinger's signature.

In other Chicago Cubs news, the team continues to navigate the challenges of retaining their star outfielder amidst intense competition.