The Chicago Cubs might be revamping two-thirds of their starting outfield for the 2025 season.
Amid speculation about the Cubs’ openness to trading former National League MVP Cody Bellinger, another unexpected name has entered the conversation.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Cubs are “determined” to trade either Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki. This marks the first time Suzuki has been linked to trade rumors this offseason.
Related: Chicago Cubs keeping an eye on the free-agent market for a two-time All-Star and World Series champion.
Why would the Cubs want to trade either Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki?
According to Joel Sherman, the Cubs are looking to reallocate the money owed to Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki to address other roster needs for 2025. Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million, plus a $5 million buyout, while Suzuki has $36 million remaining on his contract over the next two years. However, Suzuki’s no-trade clause could complicate potential moves.
Sherman also points out that trading Suzuki might be more challenging because he’s a right-handed hitter with less defensive versatility than Bellinger, who can play both center field and first base. If Bellinger is traded, the Cubs have internal options, such as Michael Busch for first base and Pete Crow-Armstrong for center field.
In 2024, Suzuki delivered his best season with the Cubs, leading the team in home runs (21), OPS (.848), OPS+ (138), and WAR (3.5). He will turn 31 during the 2025 season.
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