The Chicago Cubs have a call to make.
In accordance with Jesse Rogers from ESPN, Cubs group president Jed Hoyer is able to put out the “on the market” signal. These plans might change relying on the Cubs’ efficiency over the following week, however Chicago faces a tricky highway with matchups towards the Brewers and Royals.
Outfielder Cody Bellinger could be an intriguing choice ought to the Cubs start to commerce gamers away. There are issues relating to Bellinger, as he’s presently on the injured checklist with a fractured center finger on his left hand. Bellinger additionally has a pair of participant choices for 2025 and 2026 value a mixed $52.5 million with $7.5 million value of buyouts. Whereas a commerce could also be troublesome, Rogers opines {that a} deal will not be unattainable.
Buying and selling Bellinger could also be troublesome however it might occur. Let’s check out three attainable touchdown spots.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians have the third-best report within the majors at 59-40 heading into Tuesday, however that doesn’t imply they’re operating away with a playoff berth.
The Guardians have an 8-14 report since June 25 and have misplaced seven of their final 10 video games. The offense has struggled, scoring simply 67 runs in these 22 video games. Whereas bettering the rotation could also be a precedence, Guardians heart fielders have produced a mixed .217/.316/.345 batting line this season. Including Bellinger might not remedy these pitching woes, however would add one other impression bat and Gold Glove caliber outfielder to the lineup.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners collapsed in historic vogue, dropping a 10-game result in the Astros in simply 24 video games. These spiral highlighted how a lot the Mariners’ offense has struggled, rating final within the American League in hits and batting common whereas rating 14th in runs scored, on-base share, slugging and OPS.
Free-agent batters have traditionally prevented enjoying in cavernous T-Cell Park, with Robinson Cano being the final marquee bat the Mariners have signed. Whereas a commerce to Seattle might trigger Bellinger to say no his participant choices, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause. The Mariners might get the bat they should enhance their moribund offense as they appear to carry on to a playoff berth.
Philadelphia Phillies
In accordance with former MLB basic supervisor Jim Bowden, heart discipline is the highest precedence for the Phillies. He particularly listed Bellinger amongst three potential targets who the Phillies are trying into.
Bellinger would offer an prompt improve within the outfield as the mix of Johan Rojas and Cristian Pache has not been the reply. He isn’t an ideal match because the Phillies would have a really left handed lineup, however he would remedy their largest weak point within the batting order. Buying Bellinger will be the transfer to place the Phillies again within the World Collection.
