MLB rumors: Cubs pull star off trade market, Yankees-Cardinals trade talk, Rangers secret weapon for Scherzer

Chicago Cubs rumors: Cody Bellinger no longer available for trade

According to an ESPN report, the Cubs have pivoted their thoughts on Bellinger’s availability in a trade, reportedly pulling the former National League MVP from all trade talks. Rumors the star outfielder would be pulled off the market were strong on Saturday. 

The move makes sense as the Cubs have won eight straight games heading into Sunday’s encounter in St. Louis against the Cardinals. The streak has put Chicago just 3.5 games out of the lead for the National League Central and 3.0 games out of the final Wild Card spot, and selling off Bellinger would be a clear indication that the Cubs don’t believe they can make up that ground.

Instead, the Cubs will keep Bellinger through the rest of his one-year, $17.5 million “prove it” deal he signed in the offseason to show teams that he could overcome the offensive struggles that had plagued him since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

Bellinger entered Sunday slashing .315/.368/.540 with 15 homers and 46 RBI, showing that the change of scenery did indeed do him some good.

While the Cubs have pulled Bellinger from the market, will pitcher Marcus Stroman be kept on the North Side as well? There’s no official word yet, but it would make sense if the Cubs are truly pushing for a postseason spot.