MLB Rumors: Astros trade target, Mets fans fed up, Yankees block Oswald Peraza

MLB Rumors: Astros a fit for Cubs star Cody Bellinger

In an appearance on Sportstalk 790AM in Houston, Astros general manager Dana Brown hinted at the team’s trade deadline plans. Per Brown, the Astros are looking to upgrade in the outfield, but prefer a player with the versatility to play the infield when called upon.

Bellinger has experience both as a corner outfielder and at first base. Considering the weak production from Jose Abreu at first for Houston, Bellinger could play either position and provide more from an offensive standpoint.

There are two things holding back a potential Bellinger trade to Houston, however. First, it’s unclear if the Cubs intend on selling at the deadline given they are in a wide-open National League Central division. If Chicago does sell, Bellinger could be a popular target because of his defensive versatility and his bat, which has improved immensely in 2023. Bellinger hasn’t played since the middle of May due to injury, but if he can come back healthy before late July, he’s an ideal rental target for Houston and others.

The second matter holding back a Bellinger-to-Houston trade is what he had to say about the Astros in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal. Bellinger, then a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, called out several Astros players.

Astros brass such as Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and other members of the 2017 World Series team would have to be on board with acquiring Bellinger in spite of his comments. Bellinger’s Dodgers lost to Houston in the 2017 World Series, in part due to the Astros illegal sign stealing.

Based on fit alone, though, Bellinger makes a ton of sense.