The Cubs reportedly have made the decision to not explore the trade market with Cody Bellinger as they told other teams the outfielder will not be dealt, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
Bellinger, who signed a one-year contract with the Cubs ahead of the 2023 season, was set to become a free agent and believe to be on the trade block ahead of the Aug. 1 MLB deadline. Many analysts thought the Cubs would trade one of their new stars away, but it doesn’t sound like they plan to do that now.
The two-time All-Star is averaging .315/.368/.540 so far this season, which are his best stats since his 2019 National League MVP campaign season. Bellinger also has 55 runs on 87 hits, along with 15 home runs and 46 RBI.
Chicago is on a hot streak right now as they enter Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals with eight wins in a row, which very likely could have played a role in this decision. This puts the Cubs only 3.5 games behind the first place Brewers in the NL Central.
