Chicago Cubs Slugger Bellinger Seen as Potential Fit for Yankees

Cody Bellinger is seen as a player the Chicago Cubs could deal as the MLB trade deadline gets closer.

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs may be across the pond for this weekend’s London Series, but that doesn’t mean the trade rumors stop.

Cubs first baseman and outfielder Cody Bellinger appears to be top of mind in this particular rumor, as the New York Post listed the slugger as a “nice fit” for the New York Yankees, should they look for help in the trade market.

The trade deadline is Aug. 1.

Bellinger is a free agent after this season, meaning the Cubs may face a decision on whether to keep him for a stretch run where they could compete in a weak National League Central race or sell an asset that is not guaranteed to return next season.

Bellinger is in the midst of a bounce-back season after signing a one-year deal with Chicago. He’s slashing .252/.319/.454/.773 with seven home runs and 22 RBI entering this weekend. Those power numbers would surely be better had Bellinger not missed a month due to an injury.

Whether the Yankees have actual interest in him is unclear. But the Yankees have injury issues in their outfield, most notably Aaron Judge, who has been out for most of June with a toe injury. Judge normally plays right field, and Bellinger could slide into left field.

His left-handed swing would work well with the short dimensions down the right-field line at Yankee Stadium. Plus, his position flex allows him to back up Anthony Rizzo at first base.

And it would be a full-circle moment for the younger Bellinger. His father, Clay, won rings with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000.

Bellinger is a former MVP and a former Rookie of the Year, and at 27 he is still in his prime years. If the Cubs slip further out of this race, Bellinger may spend the final two months of the season somewhere else.  

More From SI's Inside The Cubs

1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Chicago Cubs?
2. Did David Robertson Net the Cubs a Future Star in Ben Brown?
3. Hoerner is the Cubs Shortstop of the Future
4. Cubs Could Give Canario a Shot in September
5. Could the Cubs Land Trea Turner in the Offseason?
6. Chicago Cubs Have a New Top Prospect in Their Rankings
7. Is This Top Cubs Prospect Destined for the Mound at Wrigley?
8. Steele Offers Glimpse Into Future of Cubs Rotation
9. Do the Chicago Cubs Have the National League's Best Bullpen?