The Chicago Cubs avoided a four-game sweep at the hands of the San Francisco Giants on Thursday afternoon. A rare clean inning from reliever Hector Neris led to heroics from Ian Happ in extras to secure a victory. After snapping a four-game losing streak, the Cubs now head to Milwaukee for a weekend versus the division-leading Brewers.
What started so promising in 2024 has developed into one of the more frustrating seasons in recent memory. The Cubs are under .500 at the halfway mark again and do not show signs of sparking out of mediocracy. The rotation is hurt, the bullpen is untrustworthy, and the offense is not slugging – let alone hitting.
All along, we have been projecting the Cubs to be “buyers” at the trade deadline. Many have had eyes on catcher Elias Diaz of the Colorado Rockies as a target to help the Cubs fix tumultuous catching problems. Tanner Scott of the Miami Marlins would be an excellent addition to a bullpen without an identity. We’ve even heard rumors of the Cubs swinging for the fences for a slugging first baseman like Pete Alonso or Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
But after playing a stretch of games against teams around or under .500, the Cubs proved they are not a powerhouse in the National League as constructed. Yes, they are still in contention for a playoff spot, sitting just four games out. However, it’s hard to believe a couple of additions can change the trajectory of a 26-man roster.
So, now we may have to start thinking of the Cubs as “sellers.” There’s not a lot to offer, but one player is already getting attention from real contenders.
Patrick Mooney of The Athletic says the Cubs have recently had an influx of scouts making their way to Cubs games. A source tells Mooney the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have sent scouts to check on the Cubs, specifically Cody Bellinger. Bellinger signed a three-year deal with the Cubs this past February, but each year includes an opt-out.
Bellinger was also mentioned on the trade market last season. But he and the Cubs went on a magical run in the summer that saw Bellinger as an MVP candidate and the Cubs just one win away from making the playoffs. While another run like that cannot be out-ruled because baseball is a funny sport, it seems even more unlikely this year than it did last year.
If the Cubs continue to struggle, they will have no choice but to consider their options as sellers. Bellinger is one of the only pieces that makes total sense to try and flip for something. Anything, really.
President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer remains a believer in the team he has constructed to turn things around and play like the team he expected them to be. This team was co-favorites in a very winnable division. Now, they are in last place, 10.5 games behind. If the Brewers take care of business this weekend, the Cubs will more than likely lean towards opening for business.
