The Seattle Mariners lead the American League West with a 47-40 record. However, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that the club would search for a “everyday bat” at the July 30 trade deadline. With the Chicago Cubs’ recent troubles, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes Cody Bellinger could be a viable choice for the Mariners.
“With the deadline just one month away, the Mariners have already begun chatting with teams about possible moves. On June 30, Morosi wrote on X that Seattle’s current priority is on an everyday bat and bullpen help.
Rymer proposed a player trade that would land Bellinger in Seattle:
Mariners get: centerfielder/first baseman. Cody Bellinger
Cubs acquire outfielder Jonatan Clase.
Clase is the Mariners’ No. 10 prospect. In 2023, the 22-year-old stole a total of 79 bases between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas.
“Clase is one of the top prospects in the MLB’s second-best farm system. Even if he wasn’t involved, the elements are definitely in place for the Mariners and Cubs to work out a deal,” Rymer wrote.
The Mariners Need a BatDespite their success, the Mariners’ offense requires a boost. The team is ranked 27th in runs, 27th in OPS, first in strikeouts, and last in batting average.
The Mariners’ current centerfielder is Julio Rodríguez. If the organization was searching for an everyday player, Bellinger would have likely moved to right field or first base. Rymer stated that he would not take over center field from Rodríguez. Ty France has a.695 OPS and only eight home runs at first base this season.
Bellinger earned a Gold Glove Award for his performance in right field in 2019. The addition of his bat would not be detrimental to the Mariners’ defense, which is a positive.
“More generally, Bellinger is exactly the type of batter the Mariners require. While their batting average is the lowest in the MLB.218 with an MLB-high 877 strikeouts, he’s hitting.Rymer wrote, “267 with a strikeout rate in the 77th percentile.”
The Cubs are eight games below.500 and 12 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. However, they may not intend to sell large quantities at the transaction deadline.
“The Cubs were not meant to sell at the trade deadline. Their front staff has been making adjustments throughout the squad, attempting to gradually improve a team with 19 one-run losses, the most in the majors. But competitors must be prepared in case things worsen and the Cubs alter course,” The Athletic’s writers wrote on June 28.
Cody Bellinger’s Contract
Bellinger inked a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs prior to the season. Bellinger won the National League MVP award in 2019 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, after three subpar seasons, he signed a one-year contract with the Cubs in 2023. He had the greatest batting average of his career and earned his current contract.
Rymer mentioned the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies as other potential destinations for the former MVP. The Mariners were ranked as the best landing location, thanks in part to concerns about luxury taxes.
“Unlike the Yankees and Phillies, the Mariners are not concerned about the luxury tax. “They would need to spend an additional $77.7 million before reaching the penalty threshold,” Rymer wrote. That won’t happen unless they buy about a dozen Bellingers.”
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