Chicago Cubs and Astros Linked in Potential Blockbuster Trade Deal

Chicago Cubs' slugger Cody Bellinger has been a hot name in the rumor mill as it gets closer to the MLB Trade Deadline. He's had a resurgent season after signing a one-year deal with the Cubs during the offseason.

Coming into Thursday, Bellinger is hitting .311/.367/.527 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI in 64 games with Chicago. Last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hit .210/.265/.389 with 19 home runs and 68 RBI in 144 games.

The former National League outfielder isn't the only player generating interest from other teams.

Marcus Stroman has posted a 10-6 record with a 2.88 ERA, putting him with the third lowest in the National League among starting pitchers.

Those two big names could find themselves on the move to the defending World Series and American League champions Houston Astros before the trade deadline.

This would largely be a rental deal for the Astros because both Stroman and Bellinger are expected to opt out of their contracts following the season and hit free agency.

National writer for The Athletic and former MLB executive, Jim Bowden, wrote this is a trade package Houston is interested in acquiring.

"Astros GM Dana Brown has made it clear to other front offices that his team’s biggest needs are a proven starting pitcher and a left-handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder," wrote Bowden. "The Cubs could have both available if they decide to sell at the deadline."

Bowden seems to think that this type of trade could deplete Houston's farm system.

He wrote that a package with major league starter Brandon Bielak, top outfielder prospect Drew Gilbert and a couple lower-level prospects could get the deal done.

Chicago has been reluctant to fully commit to being sellers ahead of the deadline. However, entering Thursday, they are five games below .500 and eight games back in the NL Central.

Getting a return from the Astros for two players they could lose for nothing after the year seems like a good move from the Cubs' front office.

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