Exposing the Mariners’ Deadline Pursuit of Cubs Slugger Bellinger to Revive Their Sputtering Offense
The Seattle Mariners, currently leading the American League West with a 47-40 record, are reportedly seeking to bolster their lineup with an impactful hitter ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. Amid the Chicago Cubs’ struggles, there is speculation that Cody Bellinger could be a target for Seattle, according to sports analysts.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network noted that the Mariners have initiated discussions with other teams regarding potential trades, emphasizing their need for an everyday offensive contributor and relief pitching support. Meanwhile, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report suggested a trade scenario involving Bellinger heading to Seattle:
In exchange, the Mariners would receive Cody Bellinger, who primarily plays centerfield and first base. Bellinger, who won a Gold Glove Award in 2019 for his defensive prowess in right field, is viewed as a player whose offensive skills could significantly enhance Seattle’s lineup. Rymer highlighted the Mariners’ struggles in batting average and offensive performance, suggesting Bellinger’s .267 batting average and relatively lower strikeout rate compared to the league could address these issues effectively.
Regarding the Cubs, despite being eight games below .500 and trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by 12 games in the NL Central, there’s uncertainty about their stance approaching the trade deadline. While their current focus has been on making incremental roster improvements rather than major sell-offs, circumstances could change depending on their performance leading up to the deadline.
Bellinger, who signed an $80 million contract with the Cubs, has experienced fluctuating performance levels since winning the NL MVP award in 2019. His recent one-year deal with the Cubs was based on a career-high batting average, underscoring his potential value in trade discussions.
In addition to the Mariners, other teams such as the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to Bellinger as potential destinations. However, the Mariners stand out due to their lack of concerns regarding the luxury tax threshold, which could be a factor in their pursuit of the former MVP.
Overall, while negotiations and discussions continue, the focus remains on whether Seattle will successfully acquire Bellinger and whether the Cubs will opt to make significant moves before the trade deadline, potentially reshaping their roster dynamics for the remainder of the season.
