Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Former MVP comments on trade rumors ahead of MLB deadline

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/6/23

Amid a career renaissance, 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger has become the topic of trade speculation ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. However, on Thursday, Bellinger addressed the rumors, leaning toward staying with the Chicago Cubs for the stretch run.

"I definitely know what is possible," Bellinger said, via Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "But I like being here and focusing on helping this team win while I am here, and hopefully we can get on a roll and stay together. We have a really good group here."

Bellinger joined the Cubs on a one-year deal last offseason after struggling with the Los Angeles Dodgers the past few seasons. So far, the signing is paying dividends for Chicago. Through 55 games, Bellinger is having his best season in years, recording eight home runs and 28 RBI, batting .252/.333/.487.

On Thursday, Bellinger hit safely for the 12th straight game, finishing 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in the Cubs' 6-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Cody Bellinger is batting .429 during a 12-game hitting streak pic.twitter.com/rSDGjdxM3V
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 6, 2023

Through his first three seasons in the majors, Bellinger posted 111 homers and 288 RBI, earning Rookie of the Year, two All-Star nods and the MVP in 2019. Unfortunately, injuries began to creep up on Bellinger, impacting his play significantly from 2020 to 2022. Over the last three seasons, Bellinger batted only .203 with 41 home runs and 134 RBI over 295 games.

With his recent resurgence, it's no surprise that Bellinger has piqued the interest of other clubs in the playoff hunt. And while he might want to stay in Wrigleyville, the postseason may not be in the cards for the Cubs. The Cubs are third (40-46) in the National League Central, eight games back of the first-place Cincinnati Reds (49-39). Meanwhile, three teams and 6.5 games separate the Cubs from the NL's third and final wild-card spot, occupied by the Philadelphia Phillies (46-39).

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