Jul 6, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger (24) hits a two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
MLB rumors: Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs
We’re less than two weeks away from the MLB trade deadline, so let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors surrounding the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros.
MLB rumors: Houston Astros-Chicago Cubs trade lining up?
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, “The Houston Astros have checked in with the Chicago Cubs about starter Marcus Stroman and center fielder Cody Bellinger, each who are expected to be available.”
When it comes to Bellinger, the move would make an impact at a position of need for the defending World Champions … first base. Jose Abreu, signed in the offseason to fill a need at first base, has been up and down this season, including a May where he slashed just .180/.286/.247 in 105 plate appearances. Bellinger has primarily played outfield for the Cubs this season, but does have 12 games at first base as well in 2023, showing he can be versatile and fill a need at various positions.
Stroman, of course, would add more firepower to a Houston rotation that has been injury-riddled this season.
St. Louis Cardinals rumors: These are the names who could be on the move
Nightengale lists five Cardinals who could be traded off in an effort to prepare for next season. Those names are starters Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, as well as relievers Jordan Hicks, Ryan Helsley and Genesis Cabrera, who will be interesting to watch as he was just designated for assignment by the Cardinals. St. Louis now has a week to trade Cabrera, who is no longer on the 40-man roster, or try to get him through outright waivers and add him to their minor league roster.
Additionally, Nightengale said that Montgomery and Flaherty were being “extensively” scouted by the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of the trade deadline.
Among the names not on the list above are Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, who fans will see including in rumors leading up to the deadline but are not going to be traded, per Nightengale.
