Sep 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Clarke the Chicago Cubs mascot runs with the flag after a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly intent on trading one of the team's top outfielders to cut costs, but the player leaving could ruffle the feathers of the Wrigley Field faithful.
While Chicago wishing to deal away the underperforming Cody Bellinger is baseball's worst kept secret, Joel Sherman of the New York Post adds a new wrinkle that could come as quite a shock.
Sherman reports that the Cubs are "determined" to trade Bellinger or right fielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki this offseason to redirect the cost savings to upgrading the team's roster.
Suzuki has become one of the most beloved players on the north side of Chicago since joining the Cubs in 2022. Signed to a five-year, $85 million contract that runs through 2026, the 30-year-old has been a rock near the top of the team's lineup since making his Major League Baseball debut.
The native of Arakawa, Japan, put up remarkably similar numbers in each of his three big-league seasons, hitting a career .278 with 55 home runs and 193 RBI over 381 games.
Trading Suzuki would have to be a last resort for Chicago only if they can't find any takers for Bellinger on a suitable trade.
The Cubs have a glut of outfielders due to top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong's offensive emergence in the latter months of the 2024 season. Chicago has to find a place for minor-leaguer Alexander Canario, who is out of options after a few major-league call-ups.
The organization also has top-100 MLB prospects Kevin Alcantara and Owen Caissie on the 40-man roster looking for their shot at the big leagues.