3 Chicago Cubs who won’t survive the trade deadline and why

Cubs who won’t survive the trade deadline: Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger, who is currently on the injured list, has a mutual option in his contract for next season. This means both sides of the equation must agree on another year for Bellinger in Chicago, which is looking less likely than ever thanks to his hot start to the season. Bellinger is slashing .271/.337/.493 with an .830 OPS.

Assuming Chicago is unable to negotiate an extension with Bellinger prior to the deadline, their outfield is rather crowded. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Kevin Alcantara and Brennen Davis are all nearing the MLB level. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki man the corners and are both on long-term deals. Bellinger, who receives plenty of at-bats, could be the odd man out if a team is willing to offer an overwhelming trade package.

Bellinger is a former league MVP and may have finally found his stroke again. From 2021 to 2022, Bellinger mustered only a .193/.256/.355 line. He was dreadful, and eventually kicked to the curb by the Dodgers.

“It wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t bad at all. I think that … obviously, it didn’t end how anyone really expected it to end, but that’s life,” Bellinger said of his LA exit.

Now on a relatively affordable contract, Bellinger would be a solid rental for most contenders. Should he continue to hit at this pace, he would be wise to test the free-agent market again this winter, which is why the Cubs ought to consider moving him while they can get something back in return.