Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger has joined the growing list of MLB trade rumors. The trade deadline is just over a month away on July 30. In the coming weeks, more teams will be deciding whether they will buy or sell.
The Cubs entered Friday’s series against the first-place Milwaukee Brewers with a 38-44 record, good for last place in the National League Central, and lost the series opener. The big question in Chicago has been whether the Cubs will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. Even at 10 1/2 games out of first place, the Cubs are still only four games out of a wild card spot in a crowded National League. This has kept hopes alive that the Cubs could still contend for a playoff spot. However, their recent stretch of play has other contending teams starting to smell blood in the water.
Cubs Could Trade Cody Bellinger Before Deadline
Yankees and Rangers Showing Interest
Two of those teams are the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers, according to a report from The Athletic. The Yankees were also involved in Bellinger trade rumors last year. With Yankees first-baseman Anthony Rizzo out for months with a fractured forearm, Bellinger, who the Cubs just re-signed this past offseason, could be a solution at first base for New York. The fact that he can also play all three outfield positions only bolsters his appeal.
The #Cubs are currently 38-44 and if they continue to struggle, The Athletic says “[Cody] Bellinger’s name will likely become a much-discussed name again near the deadline” pic.twitter.com/7CknUhgrff
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) June 28, 2024
Despite the Cubs still being in the wild card race, their regression these past two months casts serious doubt on their chances. After an 18-12 March/April, the Cubs have gone 20-33 since. The Cubs don’t have many trade chips that would net a big return. Bellinger has the best odds to get some value in return if he is traded. He’s signed for two more years, but he has opt-outs after this season and after the 2025 season. In all likelihood, Bellinger will opt out following this season to seek a long-term deal. The Cubs would be wise to trade him now if they want something in return for his departure.
Bellinger is having a down year compared to last year when he hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI. Currently, he is slashing .271/.331/.428 with just nine homers and 34 RBI. While not terrible, this output falls short of Bellinger’s expectations. If Bellinger can get hot at the plate for a few weeks, it could certainly help the Cubs in trade bargaining.
Photo Credit: © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
