The Chicago Cubs are reportedly looking to trade their star outfielder Cody Bellinger this winter. Chicago inked him to a three-year deal with opt-outs after 2024 and 2025.
Bellinger shockingly opted into his player option for 2025 which has left the Cubs scrambling for trade suitors. Plenty of teams could use Bellinger’s production, but not too many teams want him for the massive price tag that comes with him. If Chicago eats some of his contract, the list of interested suitors would grow.
Bruce Levine of 670 The Score recently reported that three contending clubs have checked in on the Cubs’ $80 million outfielder this winter.
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“As soon as star outfielder Juan Soto chooses which New York club he wants to take $600 million from in free agency, discussions around Bellinger will gain more traction,” Levine wrote. “Recently, the (New York) Yankees, (Seattle) Mariners, and (Houston) Astros have all checked in with the Cubs about a Bellinger trade, sources told 670 The Score. Many around baseball expect Soto to make his decision before or during the Winter Meetings.”
Bellinger hit .266 with 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .751 OPS in 130 games in 2024. He posted a much better year in 2023, where he posted a 4.4 WAR with a .881 OPS and 26 home runs.
The Yankees could use a first baseman or an outfielder, depending on whether they can re-sign Soto or not. The Astros could also use both positions that Bellinger plays and the Mariners could use any kind of offense they could get.
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