He Chicago Cubs are entering a crucial part of the 2024 season. Amidst all the hardships they have been going through, their perspective has started to change.
At one point, the Cubs were expected to be postseason contenders. To help achieve that goal, they were expected to be buyers before the MLB trade deadline. Unfortunately, those goals have cooled.
In fact, it looks like Chicago could end up becoming a seller. Players could be up for grabs in the coming weeks.
If the Cubs fail to turn their season around in the coming weeks, Jed Hoyer may have no choice but to start selling talent. There are plenty of players on the roster who could be of interest to other teams around the league.
One of those players is star first baseman and outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger’s name has begun to circulate in MLB rumors. Rival teams are starting to take notice of Chicago’s struggles and are beginning to pursue his talents as potential trade targets.
With that in mind, From the fan side has suggested a possible trade idea that would involve the Cubs sending Bellinger out of town. In this proposal, he would address the Atlanta Braves.
In the proposed trade, Chicago would acquire right-hander JR Ritchie, catcher Drake Baldwin, left-hander Dylan Dodd and outfielder Jesse Franklin V in exchange for Bellinger.
Currently, Ritchie is the No. 4 prospect in the Braves system, Baldwin is the No. 11 prospect, Dodd is the No. 15 prospect, and finally, Franklin is ranked No. 26.
As for Atlanta, this would be a no-brainer. Bellinger would have them taking a big step forward this season and possibly in the future. He has two years left on his contract, but has potential opt-outs for both seasons. Bellinger could opt out and negotiate a long-term deal with the Braves if things go well.
So far this season, Bellinger has played in 72 games, batting .267/.327/.416 with nine homers and 34 RBIs. His production is down from last year, but there is plenty of time to turn things around.
While this trade is far from a legitimate offer on the table in real life, it would make sense for both parties involved.
If the Cubs were to open themselves to trade offers for Bellinger, Atlanta would make sense as a potential suitor.