The Chicago Cubs continue to find themselves in the middle of trade rumors this winter. This time, it's centered around Chicago's eagerness to move outfielder Cody Bellinger and his massive contract.
Bellinger isn't likely to be moved because of how large his contract is, but that won't stop Chicago from trying.
Anthony Castrovince has pitched a trade idea on MLB Network that would send Bellinger to the Toronto Blue Jays alongside two other promising young players. The return would be massive, centered around superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Here's the full deal pitched by Castrovince:
Chicago Cubs acquire: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., RHP Kevin Gausman
Toronto Blue Jays acquire: 1B Michael Busch, 1B/OF Cody Bellinger, RHP Cade Horton (CHC number 3 prospect)
Let's get something straight before I get too deep into this trade. The Blue Jays will not be moving their superstar first baseman unless he absolutely demands out of Toronto, which is far from the case right now. Toronto is trying to build a roster to compete in 2025 and this trade does far from help it pursue that goal.
Michael Busch is a promising young first baseman with high upside, but he's no Guerrero. Toronto has the money to take on Bellinger's contract, but it just doesn't make sense. Taking on Bellinger's contract would lessen the return to Chicago, not increase it. Cade Horton is a good young arm with ace potential, but there's just no world where he and Busch make this trade worthwhile.
On no planet would this trade ever go through. Guerrero is staying a Blue Jay. Toronto is more likely to ink him to a massive contract extension than to send him away in a deal like this.
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