Cody Bellinger is probably the top rental hitter who’ll be traded in the next two weeks. The Cubs have gotten excellent production for their $17.5MM rebound flier on the former MVP.
Bellinger went into Wednesday night’s action carrying a .308/.365/.523 batting line over 266 plate appearances. That’s well shy of his career-best 2019 season but right in line with his next-best work as a Dodger. By measure of wRC+, it’s the third-strongest rate production of his career and not far off his .267/.351/.581 rookie showing that ranks as his second-best season.
A left knee contusion cost him around a month between May and June. Since being reinstated from the injured list, Bellinger is raking at a .366/.408/.570 clip. The Cubs eased him back in defensively at first base but have kicked him out to his customary center field spot this month.
Bellinger isn’t hitting for the kind of power he once did, but he has seemingly made a concerted effort to get more balls in play. After striking out around 27% of the time between 2021-22, he’s going down on strikes at just a 17.7% clip this season. Last winter’s Brandon Nimmo contract illustrated how much value the league places on the handful of above-average defensive center fielders who can hit. For the first time in three seasons, Bellinger again seems to fall into that category.
The Cubs should and very likely will trade him. They’re six games under .500. Bellinger is sure to decline his end of a mutual option for next season, so he’s an impending free agent. The demand for his services this summer figures to outweigh the value of the draft pick they’d receive if he declines a qualifying offer and walks in free agency.
If Bellinger indeed changes uniforms in the next couple weeks, let’s identify some fits (teams listed alphabetically within tiers):
Top Suitors
Astros
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has already linked the Astros to Bellinger. Houston general manager Dana Brown is on record about his desire to add a left-handed bat to a very righty-centric lineup. Even with Kyle Tucker entrenched in right field and Chas McCormick playing very well in center, there’s enough uncertainty for Bellinger to be a fit.
Righty-swinging Corey Julks has gotten the bulk of the playing time in left field. He’s on a hot streak and has a decent .279/.326/.402 showing on the year, but he’s not the kind of impact bat who’d firmly rule Houston out on upgrades. It’s tough to know what to expect from Michael Brantley given his repeated shoulder setbacks. Acquiring Bellinger while pushing McCormick to left field and Julks to the bench would balance the lineup from a handedness perspective and add some overall depth to an offense that has been closer to average than expected.
Giants
San Francisco president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi is familiar with Bellinger from their time in L.A. The Giants made a run at him in free agency last winter. They didn’t get him then, but the need is just as acute now. San Francisco has used rookie Luis Matos as its top center fielder over the past month. The 21-year-old is a very promising prospect but has started his MLB career with a middling .258/.327/.326 performance.
Bellinger would be a significant offensive upgrade and a defensive boost for an outfield that ranks 22nd in MLB at -8 Outs Above Average. Mike Yastrzemski could move to the corner opposite Michael Conforto, while Austin Slater stays on hand as a right-handed complement to the all lefty-hitting outfield. If Mitch Haniger returns before season’s end, he’d be a corner/designated hitter option.
Yankees
The Yankees are desperate for offensive help. Harrison Bader is one of the few productive regulars in their Aaron Judge-less lineup, but the corner outfield has been manned by depth types like Jake Bauers, Willie Calhoun (both now on the injured list), Billy McKinney and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Even after Judge comes back, one of the corner outfield spots is open.
Acquiring Bellinger would push the Yankees past the $293MM fourth competitive balance tax line unless the Cubs paid down the entire deal (thereby increasing the prospect return). New York has been reluctant to exceed that rather symbolic marker — there are no additional non-monetary penalties for doing so — but ownership and the front office could feel increased pressure to add to a floundering roster that is now outside the playoff picture. It’s easy to see the appeal of adding Bellinger’s left-handed bat to the Yankee Stadium short porch and a lineup that skews heavily to the right side.
Next Tier Down
Phillies
Any interest on Philadelphia’s part would probably be contingent on Bryce Harper holding up at first base. If the Phils are convinced he’s an everyday option there, they could kick Kyle Schwarber to designated hitter and leave open a corner outfield spot for Bellinger. (The Phils could also pursue Bellinger as a first base option if Harper can’t play the field, though that’d leave Schwarber in a corner outfield spot.) It might not be the top priority — rotation depth and perhaps third base are bigger concerns — but it’d be viable if Harper can defend. Phils’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has never been afraid to push in for big names.
Rangers
Texas has gotten strong production out of Leody Taveras in center field. They’ve patched things together in left field and at designated hitter, though, relying mostly on Ezequiel Durán to carry the offensive load wherever he’s played. Travis Jankowski has been a solid fill-in as part of that rotation, but Bellinger carries far more offensive upside than the journeyman Jankowski does.
Red Sox
Center field looked like a problem for Boston not too long ago. Adam Duvall has struggled since returning from a fractured wrist. Enrique Hernández is not having a good season. The Sox have gotten their awaited Jarren Duran breakout, though. The 26-year-old former top prospect is hitting a career-best .313/.364/.508 over 269 trips to the plate. He’s not a good defensive center fielder, but with Alex Verdugo and Masataka Yoshida locked into the corner outfield, there’s nowhere else for Duran to play. Adding another lefty-hitting outfielder to the mix is probably too much of a luxury buy for a club that could use pitching and middle infield help.
Longer Shots
Angels
Mickey Moniak has played well since assuming the center field role after Mike Trout’s hamate fracture. A short-term outfield of Taylor Ward, Moniak and Hunter Renfroe could theoretically be upgraded upon, but the Halos are a fringe contender at this point and Trout is expected back in August or September.
Brewers
Milwaukee hasn’t gotten a ton out of center field. Joey Wiemer has 12 homers and is playing good defense but has a .291 on-base percentage. Milwaukee could consider upgrades there or at first base, where Bellinger would be an upgrade on the currently injured Rowdy Tellez. They might have to pay a heavier prospect return to keep Bellinger within the division, though.
Guardians
The Guardians could certainly use an offensive jolt in the outfield. Myles Straw is one of the worst hitters among everyday players. He’s typically at least playable because of elite glovework and baserunning, but his public defensive metrics this season are average. This could work, although Cleveland is arguably too fringy of a contender to pursue a rental whom they’ll have little chance of re-signing. They’re only a game and a half back of Minnesota in the AL Central but they’re two games under .500.
Marlins
Miami is relying upon 27-year-old rookie Dane Myers as a stopgap center fielder. Jazz Chisholm Jr. should be back soon to reclaim center. The corner outfield tandem of Jesús Sánchez and Bryan De La Cruz is fine but not overwhelming. The Fish could use a little more offense, but outside help seems likelier to come on the infield or behind the dish. Bellinger’s contract could also be problematic for a low-payroll Miami club that probably isn’t keen on paying a $5MM option buyout at the start of next offseason.
Twins
This one is contingent on Byron Buxton’s health. If Minnesota doesn’t feel Buxton will be able to play anything other than designated hitter all season, there’s a case for making a run at Bellinger and pushing Michael A. Taylor to the fourth outfield role. If they’re still holding out hope for Buxton’s late-season return to the outfield, this probably doesn’t work.
Dodgers
This would be very funny but it’s not happening.
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San Francisco strikes me as the best fit for Bellinger altogether, assuming they’re still right in the Wild Card mix on August 1. The Giants have a lot of good position players but are short on star talent. One can argue whether the current version of Bellinger is an All-Star caliber player or a bit below that. Still, the chance to improve the outfield defense while taking some pressure off Matos to immediately hit against big league pitching should be a goal for Zaidi and his front office.
(Bill Belichick voice)
Seattle.
YES! If the M’s go on a run, he would definitely be a great get for the M’s. They desperately need another lefty bat, especially with Kelenic seeing so many breaking balls. He could take over at 1B or RF, with either France or Hernandez sliding to DH and Ford becoming more of a bench bat.
@zoinksscoob91, I have to disagree with you on most of what you said. I think we need to trade Teo to someone who wants a little more pop but he is not a fit here. His insane Ks, terrible fielding and baserunning gives us no reason to keep him and god forbid, extend him. I would however love to have Belli since his Ks are low and he puts the ball in play. Who knows, maybe a little bit more power comes along as he gets back to his old self. France? don’t get me started on him. we need to get rid of him as well. I think Ford can be close to everyday DH potentially but would love another bat to pair with him. Biggest priority should be DFA Wong/Pollock and find a viable 2B for once.
Miami doesn’t have to pay the buy out. There’s no way Bellinger is accepting that option. Even if he did exercise it, they can accept the team option and flip him if they can’t afford him.
The option will be declined and thus Bellinger will be owed a 5MM buyout.
He doesn’t get the buyout if he declines.
Bellinger was guaranteed $17.5 million. His salary is $12.5 million and there is a mutual option for 2024 with a $5 million buyout. He gets the $5 million if either party declines. The Cubs will gladly pay the rest of his salary and the buyout to increase the trade return.
The player does not get the buyout if they decline the option. The buyout is paid only if the team declines.
Okay, he won’t get the $5 million, but don’t be angry when he takes it when you’re not looking.
He is guaranteed the buyout money. It is apart of the 17.5 million guarantee.
It’s guaranteed unless he opts out. Do you expect him to get the entire $17.5 million when he opts out?
Since it’s Guarantied, I definitely expect him to get it all.
Lol
espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18519226/show-mind-games-m…
Toward the end of the article is Jose Bautista as Exhibit A of a player receiving the buyout if he declines his end of a mutual option. It is the most common structure of a mutual option.
Hey buddy look over there *points*
YOINK
You are obstinately hanging on to your misunderstanding of the contract.
Cody Bellinger signed a 1 year / $17,500,000 contract with the Chicago Cubs, including $17,500,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $17,500,000. In 2023, Bellinger will earn a base salary of $12,000,000, while carrying a total salary of $12,000,000.
spotrac.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cody-bellinger-21735/
Not anymore. The only mutual option I ever saw declined with a buyout was apparently a rare buyout option which the player doesn’t get if they opt out. I now know that is the unusual buy out option.
That means the buyout is actually deferred salary from 2023. I see that making Bellinger less valuable since the receiving team will assume that deferred salary. A team like the Mets or Yankees would assume much more than a $5 million expense since I’m sure the buyout falls under any additional player benefits for CBT purposes. I couldn’t find anything specifically saying it counts for CBT tax payroll.
It also means the mutual option is only worth $ 7.5 million to Bellinger since he gets $5 million for opting out. It looks like the Cubs did sign him with an eye towards flipping him and getting someone else to pay some of the salary while he was in a Cubs uniform, That’s bound to reduce the return unless the Cubs send some cash.
The buyout will count towards this year in regards to the CBT.
Why? It’s a buyout of a 2024 contract option.
It is guaranteed money and all that is counted by the end of the term of the contract which is 2023.
So they will go back and recalculate the CBT for 2023?
It’s already in there for 2023.
But say if it was just a team or player option and it was exercised or if the mutual option was exercised by both sides, then the buyout would not be paid and that would be reflected in the CBT calculation for 2023.
That will all be pro rated if Bellinger is traded. The receiving team is responsible for salary after Aug 1. That will include a pro rated part of the buyout.
If it’s a straight trade, I think the receiving team would be responsible for the option. But if cash is involved, it is negotiated who will pay what at time of trade.
In the case of Bellinger, he is owed about $5 million in salary and $5 million in buyout. That hurts his trade value. So the Cubs will probably be paying a large chunk, if not all, to get the wanted prospect.
The Yankees are already over the final lux tax by 1.1 million per fangraphs. They are said to be trying to lower payroll. Bellinger ain’t happening, nor should it.
A contending team lowering payroll at the deadline? And the Yankee fan supports this idea????
I swear it’s bizarro world here sometimes. I don’t get it.
Watch them play a few games. You’ll get it.
They shouldn’t be going after rentals.
This is a new age Yankee fan I guess. Gosh you are making me feel old.
He’s just be honest about his team!
Last couple weeks I have had discussions about trades from all different teams fans. And it’s shocking to me how many don’t want to make a trade to improve their chances of winning in 2023. Truly shocking.
My team just won their 5th straight. I don’t know if the Cardinals are a legit contender or not but I sure as heck like watching winning baseball better than telling people how great our prospects are.
I’ve been a fan since the early-mid 70s. I’m not new age in any sense of the word.
If you take tonight’s lineup for instance, they are starting 3 rookies, Franchy Cordero and their backup catcher. That’s a spring training lineup. Add in how bad DJLM, Stanton and Rizzo have been this year and there’s no way they can hope to play deep into October.
I will say after looking it up the Yankees don’t seem to have a very good lineup. And the rotation doesn’t look too good either. Not sure how that team has 50 wins, especially in that division.
But if anyone understands the term “flags fly forever” you should.
It’s not about keeping prospects. If Judge doesn’t come back productive and Stanton, DJL, Rizzo, Torres, et al can’t markedly improve theirs than adding Bellinger doesn’t significantly close the gap between them and TB, BAL, TEX or HOU. If Bellinger wasn’t a pure rental then different story. Any significant deal needs to have a 2024 component at this point. If they need to trim someone in order to avoid losing 10 spots in next year’s draft then so be it.
They’re 2 1/2 games out of the wild card. It ain’t over if Cashman makes a couple of right moves. Bellinger would be a boost and I’m betting Hoyer would pay down the rest of his $ this year for a better prospect return.
This guy gets it
They don’t have to catch them in talent. They just need to make the playoffs and get hot.
2021 the Cubs paid all of Rizzos remaining money so they could stay under. Just saying it could happen and the Cubs would happily take on money for a better return.
Unfortunately the rest of the league knows the reputation of the so called top prospects coming from the Bronx baseball team. Kinda doubt the Cubs will be paying the rest of this years money plus the buyout for a few prospects from Cashman. Look for another team that can pony up the 5m buyout plus decent prospects to grab Bellinger. Not the cheapo Brewers or Guardians.
I enjoyed this article
I think the 2 best fits are the Yankees and the Astros. Both could use outfield help and a lefty bat in their lineups.
I wonder what it would take. Hopefully someone has some ideas.
Maybe the Yankees, but definitely not Houston. I don’t see Bellinger going anywhere that weed isn’t legalized.
I couldn’t see myself doing that either haha.
Why do you say that?
True
I don’t think he’s smoking weed this year. That’s why his career is on the rebound.
Sorry but both teams farm systems are lacking tradeable talent for Bellinger or Stroman. It will be difficult for the Cubs to trade them for teams are unwilling to trade top prospects for rentals. Both players do not want to leave the Cubs and the fans feel the same. It’s going to take lights out prospects to get the deal done.
Why in the world would third base be a bigger concern than corner outfield for the Phillies? Bohm is there.
I was coming here to say that! Nice post.
I’ve always liked Bellinger maybe the Mets can get him as a free agent next year put him in RF and hopefully get rid of Marte
And drive there ML leading payroll over $400 million!
LOL the Giants don’t need Bellinger. His underlying stats are underwhelming and Matos is a grade A defensive center fielder. And if Matos can’t handle the load, Slater/Yaz can move to CF once Haniger comes back in 5 weeks. They have more pressing needs than Bellinger, who I’d argue is NOT a good fit.
Giants should be going hard after Ohtani imo. They got room for him. They got the money. And they can probably get him to sign there. Why not?
Because you only get him for 60 games.
Not worth the speculated cost. No thanks.
Free agency ? Sure. Go big.
They may have the money but they’d have to gut their farm system for a rental. The only team that desperate this year is the Rangers.
The Athletic had the Giants needing to give up prospects 1, 3, 4 and 5. Yeah. Nah.
That’s probably what the Angels want. Hard to see a team pay that price. Won’t be traded unless they get realistic. Bowden is still living in the decades that he was a gm and hasn’t realized how teams value their prospects now.
They aren’t getting that much for Ohtani. And they know they should trade him he’s not coming back to the Angels.
Oh another quality of contact junkie! Stupidest argument in sports right there
sfgiantsguy — Completely agree. What’s more the Giants don’t need another LH outfielder. Gonzalez may be back, LaMonte can play CF in a pinch and Yaz is Gold Glove out there. Big pass on Belli. Giants have much greater need in the rotation.
There is at least a 50% chance he immediately turns back into a pumpkin, so you’d have to think the Mets will be interested.
Tiny bit surprised the Braves aren’t mentioned as a long shot at least. Left field has been an issue and both our options out there are showing signs of another regression. Idk. I doubt it’s gonna happen and I think we have other needs, but it might
Whenever I read these articles speculating about rental position players and where they might end up, it’s comforting as a Braves fan to think “Nah, we’re good”.
I see Houston & New York as the most likely.
Yeah those are the 2 that really need him and both teams theoretically are trying to win now.
Can tell the person who wrote this doesn’t follow the Phillies. Third base is not a bigger concern than anything. Bohm is perfectly fine there. He doesn’t have the bat for first base and moving him back to third for a power bat is a bigger priority. Bellinger is a solid fit whether Harper plays first or not. Seems like an ideal match.
Yankees are definitely not getting Bellinger. If the Yankees wanted him they should of signed him last winter. It’s time for Yankees to unload some players. I’m talking about Torres, Higgy, Bader, Donaldson, Stanton, Peralta, Holmes, Rizzo. Honestly the entire 26 man roster should be available except Volpe and Peraza. Cole and Judge due to large contracts no one will take them. Seriously to time to unload and reload.
Maybe you could say that without the first comment you made. Then you don’t come off like such a jerk.
If you think they need help covering the Phillies polish up that application of yours. Otherwise be cool.
Guess I found the author’s burner acct. Don’t be offended when people criticize your work. It’s constructive. If you are going to write about the Phillies why not follow their beat writers on social media or at least watch the games? It will make your writing more believable. Good luck with your next piece.
Again get that application out man. Good luck.
Was this an attempt at finding a match or just potential teams with interest?
I’m far from a baseball savant. Just a simple longtime baseball fan. But I can’t see trading Bellinger. If anything. Try to sign him to a longer deal. Looks like he’s been rounding back to being close to his old self. He’s a very good center fielder. He’s can be the Cubs 1st baseman as that position has been a black hole since Rizzo was traded. Also insurance in case Mervis is not the real deal.
PCA is coming soon. Happ and Suzuki are locked up for a few years too. I don’t see where Bellinger fits long term.
No sure thing with PCA. He’s a high ranked prospect but a prospect none the less. Probably not ready until late 2024 or 2025. Suzuki? Are you serious? He’s been lackluster at best. As mentioned. Belli can cover 1st, CF and even cover a corner outfield. If the prospects like PCA, Mervis and others come through it’s a nice problem for the Cubs to have in two/three years
Armstrong is a very highly talked prospect. Suzuki has been decent not amazing but decent and he’s under contract.
Cubs could use corner infield help. And a better pen for sure. I don’t see the fit for Bellinger long term.
When someone is going to be a free agent and you aren’t making the playoffs you trade them. Simple as that. They can sign him in free agency in 4 months if they want him back. He isn’t giving them a discount with only 2 months left.
Fred K. Burke — “Looks like he’s been rounding back to being close to his old self.” You can’t be talking about the MVP Bellinger, right? Are you watching the same guy I am?
The guy has been the hottest hitter in the NL the last couple weeks. His OPS+ is 22 points off his career high of 167 in 2019, which if the season ended now, it’d be his second best offensive season of his career. He’s been outstanding, and Fred’s comment was reasonable.
With Cedric Mullins back on the IL for his 2nd stint with quad/groin injuries, you would be foolish not to have the O’s on this list and pretty high up!
They won’t because they somehow think there’s some accomplishment in making playoffs and getting knocked out in first round…but Yankees should be SELLING every pending free agent (Severino, Bader, Peralta, IKF and Montas).
This is not a good team and assets shouldn’t be wasted in a chase for mediocrity.
Treviño, Higgy, Abreu, German and Schmidt should all have some type of appeal to playoff contenders. None of them make a lot of money and should not cost a lot in prospects. But they have value.
How can they trade Montas when he hasn’t thrown one pitch this season? NY is stuck with him. Same goes for Donaldson; no one is touching that contract or player, even if NY eats his entire contract. Everyone knew this day was coming for NY with the amount of aging veterans they had on the team but I’m surprised it happened so quickly. The Yankees are almost at the point where they need to consider a full rebuild. Cole is due for some regression over the next 2-3 years as well, not to mention DJL, Stanton and even Judge. This is what happens when you sign too many older players to long term deals.
But, but, but… They knew the back end was going to be bad when they signed those long term deals. Everyone knows that’s just how it works. Just like signing Ohtani for 10 years. Those last 5 yrs are just a way to balance the contract over time! I’m sure the new GM (replacing the fool GM who signed the contract) has planned on it all along, and will be prepared.
I hope the Cubs keep him unless they get someone that absolutely does a overpay
Rather the Cubs not trade Belli. Especially to the Astros. Unless they can get a bullpen arm prospect that can take his spot on the 26 man roster. Same with Stroman. Rather extend both. Unfortunately I can’t see Sleezeball Boras asking for less than 7 years for Belli. And I can see him getting that this winter. And that’s about 4 years too long for Jed to pull the trigger. He hates long term deals.
I think bellinger would get around what Kris Bryant got from the Rockies. At least I think that’s the ceiling on his contract. Realistically it’s going to be hard to get a team to go farther than that.
If I were the Cubs I would do all I can to get Ryan Clifford from the ‘Stros for Belli.
I’d rather the cubs get someone who isn’t 5 years away. And preferably a pitcher. Like Colton Gordon and Spencer Arrighetti for Belli.
Domo Arrighetti, Mr. Roboto, domo, domo
This mean they’re getting DeJong?
I’ll go ahead and say the Rangers
Normally I’d say the Yankees would be best suited for Bellinger but, they have more of an overall roster construction problem. Their lineup without Judge is not great, it’s unfair for one player to have to carry or be a sparkplug for the offense but that’s where they’re at.
I wonder, what exactly is “funny” about Bellinger back to the Dodgers and why is it any more “not happening” than any of the other speculations? It certainly isn’t any funnier than thinking he could go to the 4th place Red Sox.
Another consideration is the Cubs happen to be the only team in the NLC with a positive run differential. So while they are games back, they could very well consider themselves to have been unlucky so far and not out of the running in an up-for-grabs division.
I asked that same question myself. Poetic, maybe? But not funny. A kids joke book would get more laughs.
KP23 — Say what???????
What.
Doesn’t make sense to trade Bellinger in hopes of others giving you similar or less production. Instead they should focus on an extension for him.
Bellingers agent is Boras. There is no resigning with the Cubs. Why not ask Jake Arrieta how that ended up working out. Cubs offered 127m. Boras wanted 175. Ended up taking 75 from the Phillies telling Arrieta he will make it up on the next contract. Trouble is the 75m one was the last one.
With Painter about to lose the next 1 1/2 seasons to Tommy John surgery, the Phils need a starting pitcher and slugging outfielder. They could go after Stroman and Bellinger, but it seems more likely they might pursue a blockbuster with San Diego and go after Blake Snell and Juan Soto. Such a trade would require the Phils to give up current starters and prospects. To compensate for Soto’s large contract, it would be smart for the Phils to trade Schwarber and assorted pieces. Trading Schwarber would be very unpopular in Philly but, this past week notwithstanding, Schwarber has been the weakest link in the Phils starting lineup. The Phils don’t need a sub-Mendoza Line hitting, poor fielding, softball home run derby champ like Schwarber. They need Soto and they need Snell if they want to make this year’s playoffs. Schwarber has occasional weeks every season that make him appear to be the real deal. This past week has been one of those weeks but, if the past is prologue, lean weeks are sure to follow. That’s why now is the time to trade him – while he still has value and while he has recently played well against the Padres. Trying to make a first baseman out of Harper is the quickest way for the Phils to land him back on the IL. First base is not a default position. It requires certain skills and the ability to keep elbows, shoulders, hands, knees, ankles, and feet out of harms way. Harper belongs at DH this year and in RF next season. If the Phils can’t swing a blockbuster with the Padres, they should contact the Cards and give them whatever they want for Goldschmidt, Arenado, and a starting pitcher. The Phils are still far from being a complete team. If they’re going to make any moves to get back to the world series this year, they have to think big and make a few unpopular moves.
Phils don’t have the prospect capital to acquire both Soto and Snell…the padres would likely require MORE prospect capital too if schwarber was involved. Hate to kill your pipe dream.
HSK, The Phils have enough major league talent, prospects, and money to acquire Snell and Soto, Goldschmidt and Arenado, or most other blockbuster combinations currently available. Adding Schwarber to any deal might increase the cash changing hands, but not number of prospects. As the Zen Master said, “We’ll see.”
The Phillies have two top 100 prospects not named Painter. Abel is overhyped. I think the Phillies would be lucky to put together a package to get Snell. Again, no shot they could grab soto.
HSK, The Padres may be motivated to move Soto sooner than later. They’re paying him a bundle to underperform. He doesn’t look line a happy camper in San Diego. On the other hand, Schwarber is thought of as a great teammate and team leader. Although he is also underperforming in terms of batting average and fielding- but not because any attitude problems, he might become an asset to the Padres and flourish under the California sun. The Phils and Padres would probably both profit from a Soto – Schwarber swap. The Padres would get a power hitting team leader who would add to the Padres home run and RBI production and would help tutor the younger players, and the Phils would get a player who could hit for better average and play better defensive left field. The Padres are not underperforming because of a lack of talent. They appear to be underperforming because of a team chemistry problem, which a player like Schwarber could help rectify in a hurry. Such a trade would also allow the Phils to not make the mistake of playing Harper at first base for no other good reason than to open up the DH slot for Schwarber. Playing Harper at first would be an invitation to the IL for Harper – and who knows for how long. If you consider a Soto – Scwarber swap as a straight up trade, the Phils would have no problem meeting the Padres asking price for Snell. The Phils would greatly benefit by the addition of Snell who could become their 3rd starter, moving Walker and Suarez to the 4th and 5th spots which they would usually dominate against 4th and 5th starters of most other teams. Another lefty starter would also be to the Phils advantage. Soto and Snell to the Phils for Schwarber and friends would help a team currently fighting for a playoff spot, as well as a team that is in dire need of a new chemistry. The Phils can afford to take on Soto’s huge contract. The Padres may not be able to afford to keep Soto – for reasons that have little to do with money.
TLDR. Condense your posts my friend.
HSK, Some replies require a lengthy explanation.
you wrote a whole damn essay
Phillies gotta be higher here. Clearly need eithera 1B or OF, and Belli fits both areas.
There’s only 3 untouchables on this team-Hoerner, Swanson and Steele. The rest is just journeyman crap. Does anyone trust this front office to make a good trade? Not a chance.
Even though the Braves don’t need him, they’ll probably trade three third-tier prospects for him and sign him to a 6 year $70M deal, and he’ll battle with Acuna for MVP every year.
While Bellinger is an obvious Philly/Dombrowski move, I think the Padres get Bellinger when its all said and done. Grisham has provided virtually nothing. Plus Bellinger played in Cali for 5-6 years. Aj Preller never quits. He gets all these great/superstar players no matter what. Heck I wouldnt even be shocked if they found a way to get Ohtani and Bellinger at the deadline. Best GM in baseball
Sorry but the Cubs will demand a top prospect back for Belly. If not willing to do then walk away. That is the motivation to trade him and anything less than a top prospect will cost Hoyer his job.
What does losing him for a draft pick do for Hoyer’s job?
I see Houston a shot for him. I know he is CF and 1B but could he not spell Abreu. Not sure even with the Outfield Houston has like Alvarez, Julks, McCormick and Meyers. I like Julks and hope do not get rid of him but would Alvarez not have more DH and even LF Chas and CF be Bellinger if Meyers they do something with. Brantley I feel is done. I think pushed him back before shoulder was healed enough. I know during off season last year Conforto was being talked about for Houston. He had shoulder surgery but he had it earlier than Brantley. Not sure where Conforto is now. I know Houston needs a
Bat and a starter but is Bellinger the only one that fits Houston and their needs.
I think going to the Dodgers is more likely than the Brewers. Like .0000000001 chance.
Why even mention the Guardians in this? No way they wast prospects for a rental
The goal should be to win the WS not just to make it to a wild card spot. Thus Yankees should not get anyone.
It’s baffling how Bellinger keeps getting linked to the Astros. Does the media just forget his comments about the team a couple of years ago? Club house chemistry matters. The Astros have it better than a lot of clubs. Bellinger would wreck it instantly. No thanks.
Not necessarily. It’s not like he said that yesterday & I’d trust the Astros to do their due process & vetting of the situation to see if there’s any merit to Bellinger potentially negatively impacting the clubhouse chemistry.
I think our leaders in the clubhouse Altuve, Bregman, Tucker, Pressly, etc. could have the tough conversation with him & get him to buy in. Not to mention Dusty having a heart to heart with him. I don’t think it’d be an issue.
If it all checks out, as an Astros fan, I hope we go all in on both Stroman & Bellinger. I have them as our top priority of who we should target. Feel like it’s what we need to get us over the top…along with another quality bullpen arm.
4 is more than a couple years. Unless you meant a World Cup-le of years ago?
I don’t care if it was 10 years ago. Unless he publicly retracts his statements I don’t want any part of him. I mean, the guy even ran with that ridiculous buzzer thing.
Which is why he’d probably love to be a Mari ers merc against the Astros for the rest of the season. Having Kelenic hurt and Bellinger able to cover 1B for a struggling France combined with his hatred of the Astros makes him a nice for for Seattle!
The Astros, Marlins and Giants all make sense. Saying “it’s not happening” in regards to the Dodgers is a bit presumptuous. While it is unlikely, this is a team that resorted to Jake Marisnick and now he’s hurt. CF has been a revolving door for the Dodgers this season so anything is possible
Next Tier Down
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The RS are included in the next tier down? With all due respect for the “anything can happen” thingy, the RS are about a million to one. They need another legit SP. And if they land a legit SP, they might need a 2nd legit SP. Then maybe a BP arm. The maybe a SS. Then maybe a 2B.
What they don’t need is a 4th lefthanded outfielder.
“[Bellinger] has seemingly made a concerted effort to get more balls in play. After striking out around 27% of the time between 2021-22, he’s going down on strikes at just a 17.7% clip this season.”
This is the adjustment Dodger fans had been patiently waiting for you to do the past 3 years! WTH, BELLI ?!?
How about the Rays? They haven’t hit fer chit for about a month. Move Yandy back to third and put Bellinger at first. Paredes replaces the ever-flailing Brandon Lowe at 2nd. Let Walls be a late inning defensive replacement for Paredes.
0 chance Bellinger is traded.
I would say about 90% chance he’s traded unless the Cubs win 8-9 of their next 10 games. Even then, much higher chance than 0.
This Cubs team is just not capable of winning in Oct. They’re getting closer, but still not there.
0 chance Bellinger is traded
I’d argue that the Marlins need him more than any of these teams, and they have the prospects to get it done. Yes, we know Chisholm is due back soon, but he’s been on the IL twice so far this year, so it’s hard to see him as a solution they can count on.
What players will they get for belly iam thinking a decent haul
Would love to see the Cubbies trade Beli for a decent prospect or two, then turn around and sign him this winter to a multi-year deal.
Could use some insurance at 1B and OF and his bat is really nice addition to any lineup the way he’s hitting.
The Mariners should be right at the top of this list. They have a ton of fringe players who won’t crack their MLB roster, but who could still be useful to many other teams. I think 5 years of OF Taylor Trammell and 6 years of SP/RP Juan Then would be a nice return that would help the Cubs (already got the best from Bellinger, why bot with Trammell now) as soon as next season. I think a former Top prospect outfielder and a side-arm/three-quarter arm slot with up to 96+ mph are two nice pieces for a guy coming off a couple rough seasons and being paid a lot over the last two months.