Josh Naylor among latest MLB Trade Rumors that Cubs need to be monitoring

It would seem that the Chicago Cubs are locked onto the idea of trading Cody Bellinger this offseason.

Prior to Bellinger exercising his $27.5 player option for the 2025 season, Jed Hoyer was talking like an executive who was looking forward to Bellinger testing free agency. While Hoyer has never shied away from praising Bellinger and the value he brings to the Cubs' roster, it's likely that the Cubs' President of Baseball Operations was looking forward to using the funds allocated to Bellinger elsewhere.

In a vacuum, there is a scenario where the Cubs moving Bellinger does make sense. If the Cubs have a move lined up that would add a dynamic hitter to their starting lineup, then there could be a case made for the team to move Bellinger. But moving for Bellinger for the mere purpose of freeing up money isn't something that the Cubs should have tunnel vision on.

In highlighting players who could be moved this offseason, Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned two names that will likely have the Cubs' interest: Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays.

There was a point last offseason where it seemed inevitable that the Cubs were going to connect with the Cleveland Guardians on a trade. The two teams never crossed the finish line but the negotiations were believed to have included several variations of a deal where the Cubs would trade from their farm system to address a need on their Major League roster. At one point, Naylor was believed to be a part of those discussions.

Fresh off a season where he hit 31 home runs with a 118 wRC+, Naylor would be an ideal trade target for a team in need of an impact hitter. Naylor is a free agent following the 2025 season, meaning the Guardians, as they've done in the past, may be willing to move him with the right deal. If the Cubs do move Bellinger, a trade of Naylor would become more plausible as he could serve as the team's designated hitter or first baseman depending on the plan for Nico Hoerner.

Of course, Guerrero is a name that the Cubs have been linked to since the middle of the 2024 season. The Blue Jays have yet to make him available, but that could change if they swing-and-miss in their pursuit of Juan Soto. If the Blue Jays don't land Soto, trading Guerrero is likely on the table as Toronto may look for a semi-reset.