LOCKED IN: Chicago Cubs Set to Trade Cody Bellinger in $70 Million Deal—To St. Louis Cardinals Their Most Hated Rival…read more

The Chicago Cubs are exploring a blockbuster deal involving Cody Bellinger, potentially sending him to their archrival St. Louis Cardinals in a trade package valued at $70 million. The proposed deal includes Bellinger’s remaining $27.5 million salary for 2025 and additional player compensation to secure high-value Cardinals prospects and a top-tier young pitcher.

Bellinger, who hit .266 with 18 home runs and 75 RBIs in 2024, has been a reliable contributor since joining the Cubs. However, with a crowded outfield featuring rising stars like Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs are looking to offload Bellinger’s contract to prioritize pitching and prospects. The Cardinals, aiming to rebuild their offensive firepower, see Bellinger as the perfect addition to strengthen their lineup and push for contention in 2025.

The rumored trade could include young Cardinals pitchers like Tink Hence or Gordon Graceffo and position prospects worth millions in projected future value. While financially sound, this deal is polarizing for Cubs fans, who fear empowering their most hated NL Central rival.

If finalized, this high-stakes move could reshape the division’s balance and deepen the already intense rivalry between the Cubs and Cardinals.