Inside The Cubs

Chicago Cubs Say They Will Not Sell Star Player at Trade Deadline

The Chicago Cubs have said they will no longer entertain the idea of trading one of their stars at the MLB trade deadline.
Chicago Cubs Say They Will Not Sell Star Player at Trade Deadline
Chicago Cubs Say They Will Not Sell Star Player at Trade Deadline

In this story:


The Chicago Cubs appear to be standing strong on their stance of not tearing down the roster at this season's Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline. 

According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs will not sell superstar Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline. 

"The Cubs' turnaround on the field has led to a change in strategy off it as opposing teams have been told outfielder and free-agent-to-be Cody Bellinger will not be traded, according to sources familiar with the situation," writes Rogers.

This comes as little surprise as Chicago is now on an eight-game winning streak and sit just a few games outside both the divisional and Wild Card races. 

Bellinger is the most productive position player on the roster and selling him would signal that the Cubs have no intent on competing this season. 

Additionally, Bellinger is the exact type of player Chicago has been searching for to man centerfield now for seasons. Selling him would effectively end any hope of trying to re-sign him or convince him to remain on the North Side for years to come. 

Bellinger has been tabbed as the most coveted position player on the trade market - if he were to become available. 

It appears that contenders will now have to look elsewhere for offensive help, especially the New York Yankees who have been linked to Bellinger throughout most of July. 

It's an encouraging signal to the Cubs clubhouse and fanbase that this front office has faith in the team to pursue a postseason spot and avoid the dreaded "sell-off."

More From SI's Inside The Cubs

  1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Chicago Cubs?
  2. Did David Robertson Net the Cubs a Future Star in Ben Brown?
  3. Hoerner is the Cubs Shortstop of the Future
  4. Cubs Could Give Canario a Shot in September
  5. Could the Cubs Land Trea Turner in the Offseason?
  6. Chicago Cubs Have a New Top Prospect in Their Rankings
  7. Is This Top Cubs Prospect Destined for the Mound at Wrigley?
  8. Steele Offers Glimpse Into Future of Cubs Rotation
  9. Do the Chicago Cubs Have the National League's Best Bullpen?

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.