The Braves are allegedly interested in trading for former MVP Cody Bellinger.
While obtaining numerous outfielders shouldn’t be too tough, the latter may be challenging. I would anticipate a similar strategy this year after Alex Anthopoulos acquired four during the 2021 trade deadline, which helped the Braves win the World Series.
Although Anthopoulos has typically avoided high-profile additions, none of Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, or Adam Duvall were, but it appears Atlanta’s general manager may be looking for a blockbuster trade.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports that Cody Bellinger is being considered by the Braves, Phillies, and Mariners. “They’ve also paid attention to teams that are interested in Cody Bellinger, like the Phillies, Braves, and Mariners.”
After being hit, Bellinger was recently on to the 10-day injured list.
Even though he isn’t performing as well as he did the previous season, the former MVP is still lethal.The Braves’ greatest need is filled by him, who is able to play solid outfield defense at 269/.331/.410 with a 109 wRC+.
It’s likely that the Cubs haven’t made up their minds about selling by the deadline. I have no doubt that they will give dealing Bellinger serious thought if they falter after the All-Star break.
His contract is what adds so much interest to a deal for him. Cody Bellinger can choose to opt out of his contract at the conclusion of the year and take a $2.5 million buyout, or he can collect $27.5 million in 2025, with an additional $25 million option and a $5 million buyout in 2026.
A lot of it depends on how he closes out the 2024 season, but he might be able to fill a vacuum for the Braves in 2025 as Ronald Acuna Jr. is probably not going to play in the outfield the next year.
That doesn’t seem like the Braves club’s style—they prefer certainty—but clauses can be included to protect oneself as well; Anthopoulos is typically a genius with these kinds of things.
