MLB · 1 year ago

Cody Bellinger Rumors: 4 Best Trade Fits at the Deadline

Sportsgrid Staff

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Houston Astros
Admittedly, it would seem unusual for Bellinger — formerly of the Dodgers, who, under controversial circumstances, lost the 2017 World Series to the Astros — to end up in Houston.

Before any trade, a candid discussion would need to occur between Bellinger and members of the Astros organization to determine if they can reconcile his valid, albeit severe, criticisms of the Astros made in February of 2020.

“Those guys were cheating for three years,” Bellinger remarked after the Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal surfaced. “I think what people don’t realize is [Jose] Altuve stole an MVP from [Aaron] Judge in 2017. Everyone knows they stole the ring from us. But it’s over.”

It's possible that Bellinger's previous statement may be too significant to overlook, and he might prefer it that way.

However, Bellinger would significantly enhance the Astros' first base position and offer manager Joe Espada a versatile option in the outfield, capable of covering all three positions. Without knowledge of their prior history, this arrangement would seem much more logical.

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Cody Bellinger on the Block?
Cody Bellinger presented a complex case as a free agent last offseason and might prove even more challenging for teams to assess if the Chicago Cubs entertain trade offers for him before the July 30 trade deadline.

Last season, Bellinger revived his performance with the Cubs, achieving a .307 average with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an .881 OPS, following three underwhelming offensive seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which led to his non-tender by the former NL MVP's team.

Despite the resurgence in 2023, Bellinger only made hard contact 29.2% of the time, significantly lower than the 49.2% during his MVP season.

Thus, even with a strong 2023 showing, being under 30, and offering great defensive versatility, Bellinger settled for a three-year, $80 million contract in free agency, including player opt-outs after 2024 and 2025. Currently, with a .266 average, nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and a .738 OPS, it seems likely he won't opt out this offseason, suggesting that potential suitors would view him as a player under contract at least through 2025.

However, Bellinger's significant improvement in the second half last year, with a .909 OPS post-All-Star break, poses a dilemma. Should he replicate such performance this year, he might opt out and re-enter the market. While a contending team would appreciate a strong second half from Bellinger upon acquiring him, this scenario might reduce him to a rental rather than a multi-year asset.

Hence, the intricacies of a Bellinger trade are evident. Nevertheless, few available players offer more potential. With that consideration, here are four potential suitors for Bellinger, should the Cubs opt to trade him.

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Seattle Mariners
The Mariners should be in the mix for any player who can significantly enhance their offense. They possess a World Series-caliber pitching staff, yet president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto is tasked with overhauling an offense that currently ranks 27th in runs per game.

Clearly, Bellinger isn't set to replace Julio Rodríguez in center field, and the Mariners might prefer to see if first baseman Ty France, an All-Star two years ago, can revive his season.

That's acceptable. Bellinger could step in for Mitch Haniger in right field. It's worth remembering that Bellinger secured the 2019 NL MVP while playing right field, where he also earned his sole Gold Glove Award, amassing 18 defensive runs saved, seven outs above average, and 10 outfield assists that season.

Bellinger doesn't possess a no-trade clause, so he can't prevent a trade to Seattle, a team that plays in the notably challenging hitter's environment of T-Mobile Park.

However, the Mariners must acknowledge the possibility that Bellinger might be more inclined to opt out of his contract after this year if acquired, compared to being traded to a team with a more hitter-friendly ballpark.
Philadelphia Phillies
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden recently predicted on his radio show that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will acquire one of three star center fielders on the market.

A Phillies lineup that already boasts many talented stars would ideally add a right-handed bat. However, even if Bellinger contributes to a very left-handed lineup, he would still be a significant offensive upgrade over Johan Rojas.

While Bellinger may not match Rojas in defensive capabilities in center field, he is at least as competent as Brandan Marsh, who the Phillies prefer in left field.

With the best record in baseball, anything less than a championship parade will be a disappointment for the Phillies this year. Their most glaring weakness is currently center field, a position Bellinger could enhance, despite not being the perfect fit.

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Kansas City Royals
It remains uncertain whether Royals ownership would allow general manager J.J. Picollo to execute such a trade, especially considering the financial commitment if Bellinger does not opt out after this year, potentially leaving the Royals responsible for $52.5 million over the next two seasons, especially if the Cubs do not contribute financially.

However, what is evident is that the Royals' three primary outfielders each have an OPS below .700. With Bellinger's ability to cover all three outfield positions and shift to first base when Vinnie Pasquantino serves as the designated hitter, there is undoubtedly a direct baseball fit.

Perhaps it's time for the Royals to capitalize on current opportunities. Acquiring Bellinger could represent just such a move.
Houston Astros
Admittedly, it would seem unusual for Bellinger — formerly of the Dodgers, who, under controversial circumstances, lost the 2017 World Series to the Astros — to end up in Houston.

Before any trade, a candid discussion would need to occur between Bellinger and members of the Astros organization to determine if they can reconcile his valid, albeit severe, criticisms of the Astros made in February of 2020.

“Those guys were cheating for three years,” Bellinger remarked after the Astros' 2017 sign-stealing scandal surfaced. “I think what people don’t realize is [Jose] Altuve stole an MVP from [Aaron] Judge in 2017. Everyone knows they stole the ring from us. But it’s over.”

It's possible that Bellinger's previous statement may be too significant to overlook, and he might prefer it that way.

However, Bellinger would significantly enhance the Astros' first base position and offer manager Joe Espada a versatile option in the outfield, capable of covering all three positions. Without knowledge of their prior history, this arrangement would seem much more logical.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Cody Bellinger on the Block?
Cody Bellinger presented a complex case as a free agent last offseason and might prove even more challenging for teams to assess if the Chicago Cubs entertain trade offers for him before the July 30 trade deadline.

Last season, Bellinger revived his performance with the Cubs, achieving a .307 average with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an .881 OPS, following three underwhelming offensive seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which led to his non-tender by the former NL MVP's team.

Despite the resurgence in 2023, Bellinger only made hard contact 29.2% of the time, significantly lower than the 49.2% during his MVP season.

Thus, even with a strong 2023 showing, being under 30, and offering great defensive versatility, Bellinger settled for a three-year, $80 million contract in free agency, including player opt-outs after 2024 and 2025. Currently, with a .266 average, nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and a .738 OPS, it seems likely he won't opt out this offseason, suggesting that potential suitors would view him as a player under contract at least through 2025.

However, Bellinger's significant improvement in the second half last year, with a .909 OPS post-All-Star break, poses a dilemma. Should he replicate such performance this year, he might opt out and re-enter the market. While a contending team would appreciate a strong second half from Bellinger upon acquiring him, this scenario might reduce him to a rental rather than a multi-year asset.

Hence, the intricacies of a Bellinger trade are evident. Nevertheless, few available players offer more potential. With that consideration, here are four potential suitors for Bellinger, should the Cubs opt to trade him.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Cody Bellinger Rumors: 4 Best Trade Fits at the Deadline

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