Could Chicago Cubs Pull Off Blockbuster Trade with Cardinals This Winter?
The Chicago Cubs could be in the market for another outfielder this winter if Cody Bellinger is allowed to walk in free agency.
While the Cubs should do everything in their power to ensure they bring back the 2019 National League MVP, Bellinger will likely command the largest price tag of any outfielder on the free agent market this offseason.
There is a high chance he signs elsewhere leaving Chicago looking for other options.
Enter the St. Louis Cardinals.
According to The Athletic, the Cardinals could be looking to offload some talent, even someone like Dylan Carlson or Tyler O'Neil who could be had on a deal.
"Dylan Carlson is a likely trade chip this winter, and perhaps Alec Burleson as well, though the Cardinals like Burleson’s bat-to-ball skills from the left side," writes The Athletic's Katie Woo. "Tyler O’Neill’s perceived trade value has never been lower, but if there’s a suitor for the oft-injured outfielder, St. Louis will jump on it. There are also decisions to be made about players like Juan Yepez and Luken Baker, who are bat-first players facing significant blocks at the big-league level."
Carlson is a talented outfielder who can play all three spots in the outfield. A far cry from the slugger Bellinger is, Carlson still puts up solid at-bats at the plate and has registered a career .717 OPS and 99 OPS+.
He would financially be much cheaper than Bellinger, but that could leave Chicago the ability to upgrade at another position such as first or third base.
O'Neil is a different story.
The oft-injured outfielder hasn't played more than 100 games since 2021, but when he does play, he produces at the plate.
In 2021, O'Neil slugged his way to a .912 OPS with 34 home runs. That would be similar production to Bellinger's but, again, would require far less of a financial commitment.
It is a gamble considering O'Neil's injury history. He could be had for very little in terms of prospect capital and the Cubs likely have what it takes to get it done without taking much of a hit to their farm system.
Intra-divisional trades are rare, even more so between these two teams. But there might just be enough here to get something done.
