The Chicago Cubs have won three of their last four games and are working to climb up from the bottom of the NL Central standings. However, if their recent success doesn’t continue through July, don’t be surprised if the Cubs decide to trade star player Cody Bellinger.
ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian has identified Bellinger as an “under-the-radar” player to watch ahead of the MLB trade deadline on July 30. Bellinger, 28, won the NL’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023 with the Cubs and signed a three-year, $80 million contract in the offseason. If the Cubs fail to maintain their early-season form, Bellinger could become a valuable trade asset.
“Let’s see what happens with the Cubs,” Kurkjian said on ESPN on July 7. “The Cubs have been fading here, offensively, they haven’t been very good. Cody Bellinger could really help a lot of teams down the stretch. But the Cubs can’t give up on this season, either, as long as they have a chance at the wild card.”
Bellinger has been one of the Cubs’ best offensive players this season, slashing .266/.326/.411 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs, and leading the team with 81 hits. If the Cubs put him on the market, he would likely attract significant interest from teams looking to bolster their offense.
### Cody Bellinger: Trade Deadline Feels ‘A Little Different’ in 2024
Bellinger is no stranger to trade rumors, having been the subject of speculation before the 2023 deadline. Despite the rumors, the Cubs ended up as buyers in a futile attempt to make the playoffs. This year, Bellinger plans to ignore the noise again but admits that the situation feels different.
“Feels like it’s a little different this year,” Bellinger said, as reported by The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma. “But just like last year, I’m definitely not going to think about it. Like everything, it’s a distraction [from] what you need to accomplish. I won’t think about it. Just take it day by day.”
Bellinger could be referring to the Cubs’ current lack of competitiveness compared to the same time in 2023, making a trade more likely if they give up on their playoff hopes. Alternatively, he might be alluding to his contract, which includes player opt-out clauses for 2024 and 2025. According to Sharma, “there is a belief that the money could be a big roadblock for many teams” considering a trade.
If the Cubs need to cover more of Bellinger’s salary or accept a diminished return, it might not be worth trading him, even if they decide to become sellers at the deadline.
### Yankees, Rangers Scouting Cubs Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Cubs still have some time to turn their season around and aim for the playoffs. However, if they decide to sell at the deadline, the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are likely to show interest.
According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Patrick Mooney, both clubs have had a noticeable scouting presence around the Cubs in recent weeks. They could be interested in Bellinger or other potential trade targets such as Jameson Taillon and Nico Hoerner.
The Yankees, in particular, might pursue Bellinger. They were interested in him before the 2023 trade deadline and need a first baseman with Anthony Rizzo out until mid-to-late August. Bellinger, who currently plays center field, can also play first base, adding to his appeal.
For now, the league can only watch and wait for the Cubs’ next move.
