New York Yankees Linked to Cubs All-Star for Blockbuster Trade as Deadline Approaches
The Chicago Cubs MLB trade deadline rumors continue to swirl as yet another MLB "insider" has linked a star to the New York Yankees.
Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger will almost certainly be on the move at this season's MLB trade deadline and the Yankees appear to be at the front of the line for his services.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden, who usually has a decent pulse on the market and team's thoughts, believes that New York could make a play for the All-Star and that Chicago should capitalize on their asset.
"If I’m the Cubs, I would tell (Marcus Stroman) the club intends to re-sign him in free agency when our team will be better because we traded you now," Bowden said. "And, because so many teams could use a hitter like Bellinger — from the (Miami Marlins) to the (Cleveland Guardians) to the Yankees to the (San Diego Padres) and more — I would take advantage of that market and deal him too."
The Cubs are in a unique position holding two of the most coveted pieces in a very thin trade market. Bellinger represents potentially the most talented position player on the market while Stroman is the most productive starter.
Despite their status as "rentals" the two could bring back significant hauls.
Chicago is 6.5 games out of the National League Central race and 5.0 games back from a Wild Card spot. The likelihood of the club making the postseason dwindles every day and the team could use the haul they get in return to help reload and make a run at true contention next season.
Whether or not the Cubs front office and fanbase can stomach another selloff is another question entirely. Many don't want to see another season in which the club subtracts rather than adds down the stretch.
But the potential return for the two stars might be too enticing to pass up.
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