The Atlanta Braves may have just found their chance to shore up a position of need with a blockbuster trade. According to Ken Rosenthal, Cody Bellinger, the Chicago Cubs’ versatile outfielder and first baseman, is reportedly on the trading block. The Braves have shown interest in Bellinger before and this could be the perfect time to bring his bat to Atlanta.
Let’s start with Bellinger’s track record. The 2019 NL MVP had a bounce-back season in 2023, slashing .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. While his 2024 campaign wasn’t quite as electric, his .266/.325/.426 line with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs still represents a valuable contribution. Bellinger could be both a short-term solution and a long-term cornerstone for a Braves squad grappling with uncertainty in their outfield.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s delayed return from injury leaves a hole in right field, a spot Bellinger is well-versed in, having played 182 career games there. Moreover, Atlanta’s left-field options remain shaky. Jarred Kelenic hasn’t panned out as hoped, and Ramon Laureano’s status hangs in the balance as Friday’s tender deadline approaches. Even if Laureano stays, Bellinger’s consistent track record eclipses his recent production.
Financially, adding Bellinger isn’t cheap. He’s set to earn $27.5 million in 2025 with a $25 million player option for 2026. However, the Braves have a couple of strategic avenues to manage this cost. They could offer fewer prospects if they take on the full salary. Alternatively, Atlanta could entice the Cubs to retain some of Bellinger’s salary by adding high-caliber talent to the package.
Top-30 prospects will almost certainly be part of the deal, but the number and quality of those prospects will hinge on how much of Bellinger’s salary the Cubs are willing to absorb. Realistically, the difference might boil down to one or two top prospects, with rankings dictating the finer details.
A key consideration is Bellinger’s performance at Truist Park. Though the sample size is limited, his numbers in Atlanta are encouraging: a .287/.347/.448 slash line with four home runs and nine RBIs over just 22 games. Projected over 81 home games, that translates to 14 homers and 33 RBIs—solid production that would complement the Braves’ lineup. Notably, his home performance would be just shy of Marcell Ozuna’s and Matt Olson’s stellar 2024 seasons.
The Braves’ outfield depth is a growing concern. Beyond star players like Acuña, options like Eli White and Luke Williams are better suited for bench or utility roles than starting spots. Bellinger’s addition would immediately elevate the team’s lineup while providing insurance for injuries or underperformance elsewhere.
If the Braves choose to non-tender Laureano, as Spotrac estimates his salary at $6.37 million, that savings could further justify taking on Bellinger’s contract.
The Braves have the assets and the motivation to make a deal happen. With Bellinger, Atlanta would gain a proven hitter who can provide stability in the outfield, handle pressure situations, and bolster their lineup for years to come. If ever there was a time for the Braves to make a splash, this opportunity feels tailor-made for them.
