Fansided

Cubs rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

By Zach Pressnell

Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs reflects before a game against the St Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on May 8, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs reflects before a game against the St Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on May 8, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs
Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs (Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports) /

The Cubs should avoid trading Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline

Cody Bellinger has played well beyond his $12.5 million dollar salary in 2023. The 2023 season has been his best season since his MVP year in 2019. After 2019, Bellinger was atrocious, but this season has shown some hope that he can continue to find his way back to the player he once was. Keeping Bellinger needs to be a huge priority for the Cubs.

Bellinger is slashing .260/.322/.452 for the 2023 season. More importantly, Bellinger has shown the ability to mash left-handed pitching, removing the idea that he should only be a platoon bat for the Cubs. He’s currently slashing .305/.388/.610 with four home runs in 59 at-bats against southpaws. He is a huge part of Chicago’s success this season and would be a huge part of the next step of the push towards the playoffs, whether that be this year or next.

Not only is it crucial for the Cubs to not trade Bellinger, but he has earned them picking up his option in the offseason. The two parties could also begin working towards an extension, if they have mutual interest after this season. The lefty needs to stay a Cub for the next few years.

Home/Chicago Cubs