Cubs Rumors Roundup: Impact of Cody Bellinger injury, Chicago's persistent focus

With two days until the second half gets underway, now seems like a perfect time to run through all the Cubs trade rumors that were swirling around leading up to the All-Star break.

A last-second hot streak took Chicago from likely sellers to potential buyers for the second straight year, although their standing could still change in the next week or so. Another critical factor at play here is the Cody Bellinger injury, which is as good a spot as any to get started.

Bellinger returned to the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million deal this offseason - but the deal isn't as cut-and-dry as it seems. The reigning NL Comeback Player of the Year has opt-outs after the 2024 and 2025 seasons, which immediately complicates any potential trade.

As fate would have it, though, that may be a non-factor after all, with Bellinger heading to the IL with a left middle finger fracture after being hit by a 97 MPH fastball on July 10. That, paired with a solid but unspectacular showing at the plate makes a trade of Bellinger feel less likely than ever with just 13 days until the trade deadline.

Cubs would have to be creative if they want to sell at the deadline

With their most valuable trade chip sidelined, the Cubs' path to selling is murky, at best. This isn't a roster with a lot of movable pieces. Outfielders like Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ could be dealt, but both hold no-trade clauses in their respective contracts. Chicago could potentially look to deal from its wealth of starting pitching, but aside from a Justin Steele trade, there's not much here that would move the needle in a major fashion.

One of the most eye-catching reports prior to the break connected the first-place Seattle Mariners to Cubs Gold Glove infielder Nico Hoerner, who signed a contract extension with Chicago prior to last season. That would be a dramatic move from Jed Hoyer, but if the Cubs falter to open the second half, it's something to keep an eye on.

Chicago desperately needs a middle-of-the-order power bat, but with a lack of clear sellers, addressing that need could be easier said than done. Last week, the Cubs were connected with Blue Jays backstop Danny Jansen - which is hardly a surprise. Catcher has been a major position of need all season long and we've seen the North Siders connected to Rockies backstop Elias Diaz, as well.