Inside The Cubs

New York Yankees Slugger Says Cubs Star Would Make Great Fit at Deadline

New York Yankees star Willie Calhoun says that Chicago Cubs superstar Cody Bellinger would make a great fit for the team at the MLB trade deadline.

Kade Kistner

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

It's trade season and the courting of players is beginning. 

Players on contending teams are making it well known they hope their front offices pursue top talent at the MLB trade deadline. 

One player who is being vocal about the subject is New York Yankees slugger Willie Calhoun. 

Speaking with the media, Calhoun made the case for his team to acquire Chicago Cubs star and the 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger at the deadline. Both of them came up through the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system and are familiar with each other. 

Add in the fact that Bellinger showed his stuff against the Yankees in a 3-0 victory on Friday, and Calhoun is all in on acquiring Bellinger. 

“I know for a fact he would fit right in and he would probably thrive in something like this. That’s just who he is as a person," said Calhoun.

“He grew up in a Yankee clubhouse,” Calhoun said of the 27-year-old Bellinger. “So that dude, he knows what it’s about. He wouldn’t let these lights be too bright for him.”

Bellinger, if made available, will be one of the most sought after players at the deadline. He is considered a rental as he is on a one-year, $17.5 million contract. He plays all three outfield positions and first base at a Gold Glove level. 

Add in the fact he is experiencing a bounce back season and slashing .303/.359/.502 with nine home runs, and he becomes the best position player available.

“He can help any team win right now,” Calhoun said. “He would be a great asset to any ballclub. For us, obviously we’re kind of struggling right now offensively, but getting a guy like him that can bolster our lineup is huge enough that it will elevate everyone’s game.”

Sounds like an easy fit for both the Cubs and Yankees.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

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.

Home/News