The Chicago Cubs are reportedly open to buying and selling former Los Angeles outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Simply weeks after Bellinger opted into his $27.5 million participant possibility for 2025, Jeff Passan of ESPN has reported that the left-handed batter is now “out there” on the commerce market.
The transfer seems to be motivated by the struggles he confronted throughout his 2023 free company, which he probably wished to keep away from repeating. If the Cubs have been to entertain buying and selling him, they might undoubtedly entice loads of curiosity from different groups.
Though the Chicago Cubs expressed curiosity in re-signing Cody Bellinger final offseason, it was nearly with some hesitation. He then had a down 12 months in 2024, together with his OPS dropping by 130 factors from 2023.
There actually isn’t a lot room for Bellinger in Chicago lately. Together with his efficiency persevering with to disappoint and the rise of youthful gamers, he’s the proper commerce bait for a staff trying so as to add a veteran outfielder to their lineup.
Bellinger now finds himself blocked at his two finest positions, with Pete Crow-Armstrong taking up in heart subject and Michael Busch at first base. The Cubs may look to diversify their offense, and buying and selling Bellinger is perhaps a approach to obtain that whereas liberating up payroll to reinvest in one other hitter.
Does all of this imply the ought to discover a commerce for his or her former outfielder? Not essentially.
Bellinger hit 18 house runs in 2024, down from 26 the 12 months earlier than. Whereas his numbers aren’t fairly on the stage of his early years with the Los Angeles , the place he received the 2019 NL MVP, he stays a helpful left-handed bat for the Cubs. He’s additionally turn into a constant risk in opposition to left-handed pitching, posting a .298 common in opposition to them in 2024 after hitting .337 in 2023.
Bellinger’s standing with the Cubs will likely be one thing to observe all through the winter. It’s unlikely the look to deliver him again, as they might probably spend that cash elsewhere.
Extra information: Walker Buehler Reveals He Lied to Mark Prior in World Collection Recreation 5
Picture Credit score: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Photos
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