Chicago Cubs News: Latest roster move isn't great for the Cody Bellinger trade

The latest round of Chicago Cubs roster cuts does not shine a bright light on a pair of trades the team has made in recent seasons.

Prior to their game against the Cleveland Guardians, the Cubs announced the cuts of the following players from their spring training roster: Caleb Kilian, Gavin Hollowell, Cody Poteet, and Jack Neely. Riley Martin was also optioned back to minor-league camp.

There wasn't much of a pathway to Kilian making the Major League bullpen on Opening Day. Kilian will likely be among the up-and-down pitchers the Cubs have to go back and forth between Triple-A and the Major League level during the season, but his being cut from the spring training roster is another example of how the Cubs fumbled the trade of Kris Bryant. Bryant, who was rumored to be headed to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for future All-Star Austin Riley at one point, was traded by the Cubs to the San Francisco Giants at the 2021 trade deadline. Kilian does not appear to have a ceiling more than being a middle reliever while Alexander Canario is no longer with the organization.

Chicago Cubs News: Latest roster cuts does not bode well for past trades

The Cody Bellinger trade continues to reek more of a salary dump than a reallocation of resources. Chances remain likely that Poteet will pitch at the Major League level with the Cubs at some point this season but it seems the Bellinger trade was more about the Cubs getting money off the books. It's a disappointing realization when you consider their franchise value continues to be on the rise.

Neely was acquired by the Cubs in the Mark Leiter Jr. trade with the Yankees last season. Neely still has a profile that could find success out of a Major League bullpen, but the best case would be for him to continue his development with Triple-A to open the season. Hollowell was a late-season addition to the Cubs in 2024 and likely will be depth at Triple-A if needed during the season.