The Chicago Cubs are reportedly telling teams that outfielder Cody Bellinger is not available for trade.
ESPN reports that the Cubs’ eight-game winning streak, which ended Sunday, has changed the team’s strategy, and the club will not be sellers before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP, had been viewed as a prime trade piece for Chicago. He will become a free agent after the season, and has enjoyed a bounce-back year at the plate after struggling mightily with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021 and 2022.
The Dodgers, in fact, had been seen as one of the most likely landing spots for Bellinger. The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins had also been in the conversation.
It’s a bold move for the Cubs, who are four games out of first place in the NL Central and 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. The Cubs are now reportedly looking to add bullpen depth before the deadline to fuel their run.
MLB fans on Twitter generally thought the Cubs have made a mistake in thinking they are serious contenders.
“Cody Bellinger would fix this” – delusional yankee fans
— John (@J0hn_IA) July 30, 2023
I’m of the mind that if they’re going to forgo the Cody Bellinger haul, they should really go big for this year and acquire an impact player with 1.5+ years of control
— Tyler (@RunningFlannel) July 30, 2023
[ESPN]