MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle

Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park on July 01, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Jonathan India #6 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park on July 01, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Cody Bellinger, MLB Rumors
Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs takes a throw at first base against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Could Mariners steal a top trade target from Yankees?

The New York Yankees‘ interest in Cubs star Cody Bellinger is already well-documented. With Chicago looking more and more like sellers at the deadline, Bellinger stands out as one of the most desirable sluggers ready to be dealt to the highest bidder. Bellinger is currently hitting .319 with 14 homers and 44 RBIs in 68 games.

If the Yankees aren’t willing to pay the Cubs’ high price tag, the Seattle Mariners could swoop in with a trade of their own.

According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden (subscription required), the Mariners will be on both sides of the market and may consider adding Bellinger, among other offensive options:

"Look for them to add players with an emphasis on improving their offense’s on-base percentage. They could match up well in trades with the Nationals (Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses), Rockies (Ryan McMahon, Jurickson Profar), A’s (Brent Rooker) and Cubs (Cody Bellinger)."

Seattle, currently 5.5 games from a wild card spot, has been no stranger to blockbuster trade rumors, most recently linked to phenom Shohei Ohtani. The Mariners are going to be busy this summer.