Cubs Rumors Roundup: Cody Bellinger deal 'not impossible', Hector Neris turning heads

It's official. Barring a dramatic last-minute turnaround, Chicago Cubs won't be buyers at the July 30 trade deadline, instead focusing on 2025 and beyond in any moves they make. That's not what anyone expected when this crew arrived at camp in Mesa this spring under new manager Craig Counsell, but it's where we are nonetheless.

Rumor season is already well underway. Multiple teams have checked in on veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon, Nico Hoerner continues to be mentioned as a potential chip whether this week or this winter and even the injured Cody Bellinger could be a name to keep an eye on, according to new reports.

In Jesse Rogers' latest piece, this line, in particular stood out:

"On the position player front, Cody Bellinger’s finger injury and contract status make a deal for him complicated as well — but not impossible.”

Bellinger remains sidelined by a broken middle finger on his left hand. Even before the injury, he hadn't found his power stroke yet - leaving a major hole both in his game and the Cubs lineup. Throw in the fact his three-year, $80 million contract contains opt-outs after both 2024 and 2025 and it's clear to see why trading him would be challenging.

The lack of slug from Bellinger and the months-long offensive woes of Dansby Swanson crippled the Cubs' ability to score runs. Barring a scorching hot return from the IL, it feels likely he'll opt into the second year of that deal at the price tag of $27.5 million, a hefty sum if he can't re-discover his power stroke.

Cubs could deal multiple bullpen arms at the trade deadline

Don't be shocked if the Cubs trade some relievers before the deadline. Drew Smyly makes sense as a way to cut salary given his success out of the bullpen this year and two of his bullpen mates, Mark Leiter Jr. and Hector Neris, are also drawing some attention of late.

Finding a way to unload Neris could prove to be a huge cost-saver in 2025. Playing on a $9 million salary this year, the right-hander's club option for next year converts to a player option if he makes 60 appearances or finishes 45 games. That means he either needs to finish another 21 games or make 24 more appearances for that to happen.

Given his struggles with consistency and location this year, Jed Hoyer would be well-served to take what he can get for the former Houston and Philadelphia fireman and keep those funds free to address other areas of need this offseason.

This is just scratching the surface of the conversations Hoyer and his team are having and will continue to have in the coming days. Buckle up. At this point, we're familiar with how this goes. Sellers, again - and hopefully, for the last time in awhile.