Reports have surfaced that the Chicago Cubs are intent on trading either Cody Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki. Joel Sherman of The New York Post initially reported on the team’s plans, and The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma has provided further clarification, suggesting that Bellinger is the more likely trade candidate. Recent updates suggest the team prefers to deal with Bellinger, with Suzuki serving as a contingency plan. Interest in Belligner appears genuine, with multiple teams reportedly considering acquiring him.
Cody Bellinger Trade Talks Heat Up as Seiya Suzuki’s Market Cools
Bellinger has become a focal point of trade discussions this offseason. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Houston Astros have been linked to Bellinger. His market may gain momentum following Juan Soto‘s signing with the Mets, as teams that missed out on Soto may view Bellinger as a viable alternative. While Bellinger may not offer the same caliber of talent as Soto, he brings above-average offense and exceptional defensive skills to the table.
The Cubs’ decision to prioritize Suzuki over Bellinger is driven by a combination of factors. Suzuki’s contract, which guarantees him $19 million annually through 2025, is more team-friendly than Bellinger’s deal. Furthermore, Suzuki’s recent performance has been more impressive, with a more consistent bat and greater reliability in the middle of the order. In contrast, Bellinger’s offense has been more erratic, and his player option for 2026 adds uncertainity to his contract.
As free agent prices soar, Bellinger’s $27.5 million deal has become more palatable. While concerns about his injury history and recent performance linger, Bellinger’s unique skillset – including his ability to play multiple positions and hit from the left side – makes him an attractive asset to teams seeking a versatile player.
The Cubs’ offseason trajectory hines significantly on the Bellinger situation. As noted by The Athletic, the Cubs remain committed to enhancing their starting pitching rotation. However, the exorbitant costs associated with free agency make that pathway unlikely. The recent signing of left-hander Matthew Boyd undersocre the Cubs’ willingness to explore alternartive options, with their fair in his projections and prior interest in the pitcher influencing the decision.
The Cubs may reassess the free agency market later in the offseason, when prices are expected to drop. At that point, they may revisit their pursuit of starting pitching. One potential target is Jack Flaherty, although the Cubs’ interest is contingent on his price remaining reasonable. If Flaherty’s cost escalates, the Cubs may need to revisit his candidacy later in the offseason.
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