NEWSLETTER
Bruce Levine’s latest report at 670 The Score is loaded with useful information, but we’ll start here with what he’s hearing on Cody Bellinger and the Cubs’ continued efforts to trade him this offseason.
First and foremost, Levine effectively confirms the existing reports of Cody Bellinger’s availability via trade, further indicating that it could come to a head next week at the Winter Meetings. All of the usual plot points are there: Jam-packed outfield (including prospects), could use cost-savings elsewhere (bullpen, rotation, catching), and a deal could come together after Juan Soto chooses which team he wants to play for. But the new news (or just the “news,” as they call it in the biz), is which three teams have already come calling.
Cody Bellinger Trade Rumors – Three Suitors Call Cubs
Here’s the money quote: “Recently, the Yankees, Mariners and Astros have all checked in with the Cubs about a Bellinger trade, sources told 670 The Score.”
The Yankees should come as a surprise to no one, as they’ve become the most likely landing spot for Cody Bellinger *if* they whiff on Juan Soto. We’ve talked about it a bunch, but in short, they’ve liked Bellinger for a couple of years now, they could use his glove across the outfield OR at first base, depending on what else they do this winter, and his left-handed bat fits well in that stadium. Lots of boxes checked there, and you’re rooting interest remains Juan Soto signing with NOT the Yankees. Even if Cody Bellinger doesn’t wind up in New York, the Yankees’ clear interest should help drive up the price. But they’re likely only going after Bellinger if they miss on Soto.
The Mariners are an interesting one. We know they’ve been talking to the Cubs about a trade, but most of that conversation has so far revolved around Nico Hoerner. That said, Hoerner’s surgery has muddied those waters and the latest report indicated that the Mariners could also be looking to add at the infield corners (first or third base). So far, they’ve reportedly talked to Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, but perhaps they’d have interest in Bellinger for first. They have a collection of starting pitchers that could be of interest to the Cubs, but one pricey year of Cody Bellinger (with a pricey player option) is not going to get that done.
And lastly, there’s the Astros. That’s a somewhat new team for us right now, though they do have an interesting offseason ahead of them. They currently have a $150M+ offer out to Alex Bregman right now, and I have a hard time imagining them going after Bellinger if he eventually accepts. However, Bregman is reportedly seeking something closer to $200M, which is not something to which most expect the Astros to agree. So perhaps a Bellinger trade is their own version of a Soto pivot in the event Bregman signs elsewhere.
Bellinger’s flexibility to play left, center, right, and first base – all while batting lefty and running the bases well – make him a pretty easy fit for a whoooole lot of teams. The price tag is big, but the talent is there.
And that brings me to the final point from Levine’s report: “The Cubs don’t seem willing to eat money in a trade of Bellinger, nor do they intend to just give him away.”
Yeah, well. Okay. They can intend whatever they want, but the truth is Bellinger is due a whole lot of money with an unfavorable contract situation (if he’s great, he opts out, if he stinks or gets hurt, he opts back in for a lot of money again). So the Cubs are either going to have to accept a modest return and save maximum dollars OR eat some cash and improve their return. Of course, there’s also the third option, which is sort of a hybrid of the two: taking back a big contract in the deal.
In any case, this Cody Bellinger trade noise is becoming increasingly loud. And it really feels like something’s going to happen as soon as Juan Soto signs.
