Crafting SF Giants mock trade with Chicago Cubs for former MVP

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly shopping their star player Cody Bellinger in trade talks. The SF Giants could swoop in and make a play for the ex-Dodger and former MVP. Let's craft a mock trade to see what it might take to land him.

The Cubs have been rumored to want to trade Bellinger this offseason. Chicago signed him to a three-year $80 million contract ahead of the 2024 season with an opt-out after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Bellinger decided to opt in for 2025 which means the Cubs would be on the hook for the $27.5 million he is set to make next season.

After Bellinger struggled a bit in 2024 to the tune of .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI, $27.5 million seems a bit steep. Those are not disastrous numbers, but they are not ideal for a player who you are paying nearly $30 million per year for.

Crafting SF Giants mock trade with Chicago Cubs for Cody Bellinger

Even despite a down 2024 campaign for the lefty, the Giants could use someone like Bellinger on the team. He can hit the ball out of the ballpark and would be a solid defender for them in the outfield or at first base.

The Giants have several players whose names have come up in trade discussions, so let's make a mock trade for the Giants to land Bellinger.

San Francisco Giants MOCK TRADE with Chicago Cubs: San Francisco receives OF/1B Cody Bellinger in exchange for RF Mike Yastrzemski, RP Camilo Doval, and SP Hayden Birdsong

The Giants would probably have to give up a decent amount to land a star player and former MVP like Bellinger. Mike Yastrzemski's name has come up as a potential trade candidate for the Giants as has Camilo Doval's. Yastrzemski would give the Cubs a replacement in right field while Doval would be an interesting piece for the back of their bullpen. Hayden Birdsong would be an enticing young prospect for Chicago who showed promise in his rookie campaign with San Francisco but is still very raw. He was also born in Illinois so it would be a bit of a homecoming for him.

A move like this would not come without risk for San Francisco. Bellinger could wind up being just a one-year rental if he decided to opt out of his contract after 2025. If that were the case, the Giants would probably feel foolish for giving up so much.

There is also a chance that his down 2024 season is a harbinger of things to come. Perhaps the 29-year-old is on the decline.

Yet, the Giants need an extra threat in their lineup. Adding Bellinger could give them a powerful left-handed bat in the middle of the order who could crank balls into McCovey Cove while providing plus defense and speed.

It would be an aggressive trade, but it could be the kind of move president of baseball operations Buster Posey has to make if he wants to turn the Giants into a legitimate contender in 2025.