The Chicago Cubs are in a bit of a weird spot as a franchise. They’re looking to win in a big way, especi-ally as it seems the Milwaukee Brewers may take a step back. But instead of being all in to buy talent, the Cubs need to dump some of their expensive contracts first.
This includes desperately trying to find a trade suitor for former MVP Cody Bellinger, who signed an $80 million deal with Chicago last offseason. While getting off the contract completely is nearly impossible, the Cubs could eat part of the money to move Bellinger while bringing prospects back in return.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently predicted the Cubs could move Bellinger in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros.
“The Astros have needs at first base and in center field and Bellinger would solve either position for them, depending on where they decide to play him. He has Gold Glove-caliber potential at first base and is a plus defender in center field,” Bowden wrote. “Bellinger is coming off a down year in which he hit .266/.325/.426 with 18 homers and a 111 OPS+. He was worth 2.2 WAR a year after his 4.4-WAR first season in Chicago.”
This potential trade could make quite a bit of sense. The Astros have the need that Bellinger would fill flawlessly. Chicago is desperately trying to move the former MVP, so Houston could likely acquire him for fairly cheap.
Dumping a part of Bellinger’s contract would work wonders for the Cubs over the next few seasons. Chicago would clear up some money to make bigger moves this winter than anybody expected them to make.
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The Houston Astros are facing a decision regarding their third baseman, Alex Bregman’s, contract negotiations reaching the $200 million mark. Recently, sources within the organization revealed that they are considering Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames as a potential alternative option in this scenario. Adames, recognized for his fielding skills and reliable hitting abilities at the bat, has become an appealing choice for the Houston Astros. His age and flexibility in playing different positions, as well as his previous playoff participation, could help fill in any gaps left by Bregman if he leaves.
However, this revelation has sparked a debate: Are the Astros prepared to invest heavily in a player like Adames? Chandler Rome of The Athletics highlighted, “In the case of Adames if the Astros are going to spend that kind of money, why not invest it in Bregman, a face of their franchise?” The argument likely hinges on a few key factors. First, Bregman’s reported $200 million demand is based on a long-term deal that would carry him into his mid-30s. Historically, teams have grown more cautious about offering large contracts to players entering their 30s, fearing a decline in performance during the back end of such deals.
Alex Bregman, while a superb defender at third base, doesn’t offer that same adaptability. However, this approach has its risks. Bregman isn’t just a stat sheet; he’s the emotional heartbeat of the team and a fan favorite. Letting him walk in favor of a less familiar player like Adames could alienate a loyal fan base and disrupt clubhouse chemistry. Bregman has been instrumental in the Astros’ rise to dominance, and many would argue that this kind of leadership and institutional knowledge is irreplaceable.
Houston’s history of letting stars walk-
The Houston Astros have become known for making tough choices regarding keeping their players around. They often lean towards maintaining financial flexibility rather than sentimental attachments to the player’s history with the team. Lately, they’ve allowed star players like George Springer and Carlos Correa to leave the agency without matching the paying deals they received elsewhere.
Although these decisions initially faced criticism from fans, Houston’s success in grooming talents or acquiring replacements like Jeremy Peña to fill in for Correa has been instrumental in keeping them competitive year after year. This calculated approach has become a hallmark of the Astros’ front office under Jim Crane’s ownership. However, the departures of Springer and Correa highlighted the emotional toll these choices take on fans and the clubhouse.
While the Houston Astros’ success has softened the blow, it raises the question of whether losing Alex Bregman, one of the team’s most recognizable faces, would create a different kind of disruption. As they face this pivotal decision, the Astros must weigh their track record of success against the unique leadership and legacy Bregman brings to the team—whether they commit to him or pivot to alternatives like Willy Adames, the choice will leave a lasting impact on the team’s future and its connection to an invested fan base.
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