Houston Astros 'Top Suitor' For Chicago Cubs Outfielder Bellinger

If the Chicago Cubs decide to deal their top slugging outfielder, the Houston Astros are considered one of the top destinations.

The Houston Astros are hoping to get outfielder Yordan Alvarez back soon, and that will help their offense.

But the Astros still need a left-handed bat according to their own general manager, Dana Brown. They could add one by the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Last weekend, a USA Today article linked the Astros to Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger. MLB Trade Rumors built on that on Wednesday, as it provided a list of the 12 top suitors for Bellinger, should the Cubs decide to move him.

The Astros, along with the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees, were listed as the top suitors for Bellinger.

He’s emerged as one of the top trade options when it comes to hitters, though it’s not yet clear if the Cubs are going to buy or sell at the deadline. If the Cubs choose to move Bellinger, he would be a solid, middle-of-the-order bat who can play outfield, first base or even slide into designated hitter.

Per MLB Trade Rumors:

Righty-swinging Corey Julks has gotten the bulk of the playing time in left field. He’s on a hot streak and has a decent .279/.326/.402 showing on the year, but he’s not the kind of impact bat who’d firmly rule Houston out on upgrades. It’s tough to know what to expect from Michael Brantley given his repeated shoulder setbacks. Acquiring Bellinger while pushing McCormick to left field and Julks to the bench would balance the lineup from a handedness perspective and add some overall depth to an offense that has been closer to average than expected.

Bellinger is having a bounce-back season after two atrocious years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a 2024 mutual option on his contract.

He missed a month due to injury but in 63 games he’s slashed .308/.365/.523/.888 with 12 home runs and 35 RBI.

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