Cubs' Bellinger 'in the loop' with team amid trade speculation
Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger is putting together a tremendous bounce-back season, making him one of the top position players that could be available at the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
Bellinger says he is satisfied with the constant communication surrounding his future with the team.
"We're a very open communication group here," Bellinger said Friday, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. "I'm in the loop on what could happen, what couldn't happen."
The Cubs signed Bellinger to a one-year, $17.5-million contract in the offseason with a mutual option for 2024.
The 28-year-old has rebounded this season, posting a .913 OPS after registering .542 and .654 in his final two campaigns with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger crushed his 13th home run of the season in Friday's 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
(Video source: MLB.com)
The 2019 NL MVP has never been traded in his seven-year career, and is figuring out how to navigate the rumor mill.
"I've never been in this situation before so don't know what to say - or what not to say - so I'm just going to say I'm going to focus on the game," Bellinger said.
Bellinger is slashing .317/.371/.542 with 13 home runs, 52 runs scored, and 37 RBIs in 66 games this season.