By the end of April, the Chicago Cubs were solidly in contention with an 18-13 record. However, their fortunes have drastically shifted over the past two months, with a combined 21-34 record in May and June. Instead of planning to add players, there are rumors circulating that they might become sellers before the July 30 trade deadline. Center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger has found himself caught in the speculation.
If the Cubs opt to trade him, where could he land? Is Philadelphia a viable destination for the former 2019 National League MVP? According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, who ranked potential landing spots, the Phillies come in second. Rymer even crafted a hypothetical trade scenario:
The Phillies would acquire Cody Bellinger, a versatile player who can play center field and first base.
In return, the Cubs would receive catcher Eduardo Tait.
Tait, rated as the Phillies’ eighth-best prospect this season by MLB.com, is currently 17 years old and gaining experience in Rookie Ball.
However, due to Bellinger’s contract, the Cubs might not have much bargaining power in negotiations. He recently signed a three-year, $80 million deal that pays him $30 million in 2024. Bellinger also has the option to opt out after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Consequently, many teams may view him as a short-term rental, particularly those represented by Scott Boras, his agent.
Bellinger Would Give the Phillies a Versatile Upgrade
Although Bellinger hasn’t matched the strong start he had during his impressive 2023 season, his performance in 2024 would still greatly benefit the Phillies. The 28-year-old has posted a .267/.327/.416 batting line with nine home runs, 13 doubles, 34 RBIs, and 34 runs scored over 309 plate appearances.
In contrast, Philadelphia’s center fielders collectively have hit .234/.289/.318 this year, contributing four home runs, 28 RBIs, and 36 runs scored. According to FanGraphs, their combined 0.9 fWAR from that position ranks 17th in the league.
The current roster challenges for the Phillies, with Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper both sidelined due to injuries (strained groin and hamstring strain, respectively), increase the allure of potentially acquiring Bellinger. This situation has resulted in increased playing time for Kody Clemens and Whit Merrifield, who have been filling in at first base and in the outfield.
Adding Bellinger to the roster would provide manager Rob Thomson with greater nightly flexibility in crafting his lineup. While Bellinger has primarily played center field in 42 games this season, he has also seen action at first base (13 games), right field (12 games), designated hitter (10 games), and left field (1 game).
The Phillies Were Connected to Bellinger This Past Winter
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski refrained from making significant offseason moves, aside from securing pitcher Aaron Nola’s return. However, the potential for a major acquisition loomed in February.
Bellinger and his agent, Boras, were seeking a substantial long-term contract exceeding $200 million. Despite discussions, a deal failed to materialize before Bellinger eventually re-signed with the Cubs in February, just as spring training commenced.
Before this development, the Phillies were quietly considered by some as a possible destination for Bellinger, as noted in a February 4 report by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. He suggested, “Several executives think the Philadelphia Phillies could be a sleeper for one of the remaining marquee free agents in starter Jordan Montgomery or center fielder Cody Bellinger.” Highlighting the Phillies’ solitary major move as re-signing Aaron Nola, Nightengale underscored Bellinger’s potential to bolster their lineup with Gold Glove-caliber defense and left-handed power.
This history of interest in Bellinger indicates the Phillies’ eagerness to advance to the World Series this October. Acquiring Bellinger could elevate their prospects without committing to a lengthy financial obligation.
