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Rays Rumors: Possible Cubs trade piece could be perfect match for Tampa Bay

By Mason Stacy |
Sep 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Cody Bellinger (24) on deck before hitting against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Sep 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Cody Bellinger (24) on deck before hitting against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, the Rays traded their defense-first center fielder, Jose Siri to the New York Mets for a minor league pitcher. We believe this move may have come with the expectation that the Rays will provide some healthy offense in replacement of their inconsistent outfielder.

Outfielders are known to be some of the most productive hitters on their respective teams. Therefore, an offensive impediment at one of those positions can really degrade a team's offense.

While the Rays are on the prowl for an offensive weapon, one of the Cubs top hitters over the past two seasons has apparently been placed on the trade block.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are now interested in dealing their power-hitting center fielder. Cody Bellinger was signed by the Cubs out of free agency after the 2022 season.

After struggling with the Dodgers in 2022, the Arizona native had a resurgent year in Chicago. Bellinger hit .307 with 26 HRs and 97 RBIs, as he was given his second career Silver Slugger award.

He spent most of his defensive innings in center field, but also saw time at first base. An addition of his bat in the Rays everyday lineup could certainly be a difference maker, especially in the short right field porch at George Steinbrenner field.

In order to obtain this coveted former MVP, the Rays will need to give up an experience right-handed pitcher and a prospect arm, as the Cubs front office is looking to improve their depth on that side of the game.

The Rays don't lack in that department as they currently hold right-handed starters, Zack Littell and Taj Bradley as dependable trade pieces. Tampa Bay also has highly-regarded closer, Pete Fairbanks that could be part of a blockbuster deal.

Therefore, a possible mock trade we could see in the circumstance would be:

Cubs receive: RHP Pete Fairbanks, RHP Santiago Suarez (Rays No. 8 prospect)
Rays receive: OF Cody Bellinger

One major wrench in this prospective plan is within the details of Cody Bellinger's contract. The 29-year old is due about $30 million per year for the next two seasons. The Rays could take on his salary, but it would make a significant dent in the offseason budget and they would probably have to trade him after only one season in Tampa Bay.

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