The Chicago Cubs find themselves in a familiar predicament as sellers entering the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, reflecting a stark contrast to last year’s unexpected buyer status. This season has unraveled disappointingly, with the team languishing out of contention in the National League Central and falling behind in the wild card race.

Last year, the Cubs made headlines by holding onto star outfielder Cody Bellinger at the deadline, despite considerable interest from other teams. Bellinger, known for his significant market appeal and flexible contract featuring player options, remains a hot topic in trade discussions. His future is yet again the subject of intense speculation as the current trade deadline approaches.

Interest in Bellinger is notably strong among several teams, including the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. However, the Philadelphia Phillies’ pursuit of Bellinger underscores a greater narrative of criticism directed at Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer. The Phillies, who currently boast the best record in baseball at 58-32, have publicly prioritized strengthening their center field, considering Bellinger alongside other key targets like Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox and Jazz Chisholm of the Miami Marlins.

This pursuit by the Phillies not only highlights their aggressive approach to building a leading team but also casts a shadow over the Cubs’ management strategies. Philadelphia’s proactive and successful roster enhancements starkly contrast with the Cubs’ faltering season, where the missed opportunity to rebuild effectively around their core players has become evident.

The predicament for the Cubs is a telling sign that other teams are now looking to capitalize on their lack of progress by targeting their players. As teams like the Phillies continue to refine their already formidable lineups, the Cubs face critical decisions on player futures, including Bellinger’s, emphasizing the need for a strategic response to a season slipping away.