Latest Cubs rumors should be heavily considered by Pirates at MLB Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings are starting and the stove is heating up. The Pittsburgh Pirates have yet to make a significant move to upgrade their major league roster, but there are some recent rumors that the Pirates could jump on to upgrade their offensive holes.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported last week that the Cubs are determined to trade one of their two expensive outfielders in Cody Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki. Out of these two, Bellinger seems like the most likely to get moved, and throwing in Suzuki's name seems more of a leverage tactic, as he was one of the top right fielders in 2024 and possesses a no-trade clause.

Bellinger seems likely to get moved, though, representing a player the Pirates should be inquiring about this week. He was labeled a fit earlier this offseason for the Pirates. His contract is big, yes, but if the Cubs are determined to trade him, then it is likely that they send money over in the deal. That would make teams more interested in him, and would bring about a higher likelihood that the Pirates could have a chance.

Pirates should work out a deal for Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger after recent rumors

After non-tendering Bryan De La Cruz and Connor Joe, the Pirates outfield depth on the major league roster is significantly lacking. On top of that, Ken Rosenthal reported that Bryan Reynolds is expected to see innings at first base next season. There is no question that the Pirates need to get an outfielder, but given the current roster, they don't just need a place-filler. They need a guy who can make an impact, and Bellinger can do just that.

Acquiring Bellinger could also prevent Reynolds from moving to first base, given that Bellinger has a history at the position.

Over the course of 2024, Bellinger batted .266 while belting 18 home runs, 23 doubles, and three triples to generate a slugging percentage of .426. That paired with an on-base percentage of .325 to produce an OPS of .751. Additionally, his wRC+ was above average at 109, and he struck out at a low 15.6% rate. This produced a batting run value of 11.

His positions on the field are exactly what the Pirates need as well. No matter where Bellinger plays, he would fill in a massive hole in Pittsburgh's roster.

The price of Bellinger should not be too high, either. Obvioualy he is a former MVP award winner, but his contract is what could turn off interested teams. He is owed $27.5 million for 2025, but the only way the Pirates would take on the contract is if the Cubs pay a good chunk of it/absorb another outlier contract in the process. It would seem reasonable to expect Pittsburgh to receive 40% of his salary for 2025, equating to $11 million.

If that were the case, the Pirates may have to give up a decent return. A possible package back to the Cubs would likely need to include a pitcher. Braxton Ashcraft, the Pirates' fourth-ranked prospect (who they should try to trade), would make sense as a headliner to the deal, but it could potentially take more.

Ben Cherington should definitely discuss a deal for Bellinger at the Winter Meetings, but it may be difficult financially. If they could get help from Chicago to pay for some of the contract, then Pittsburgh should be all over it.