With the MLB trade deadline looming on July 30, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves at the center of trade speculations that suggest bolstering their outfield and bullpen ahead of the postseason push. However, an intriguing rumor involving a possible trade for Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger suggests the Phillies might want to reconsider their approach.
As it stands, the Cubs, owning a disappointing 42-49 record and trailing significantly in the NL Central, are poised to offload assets, including former NL MVP Cody Bellinger. Yet, a proposed transaction could see the Phillies trading away their No. 8 prospect, talented catcher Eduardo Tait, which might not be a wise move for their long-term strategy.
**Evaluating the Potential Trade**
The heart of the proposed exchange involves the Phillies sending young catcher Eduardo Tait to Chicago in return for Bellinger. Despite Bellinger’s pedigree, including two Silver Slugger Awards and notable contributions to his teams’ successes, his recent performances since a dip during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers raise concerns.
This season, his stats show recovery, sitting at a .270 average with a .747 OPS. However, Bellinger’s contract features an opt-out after the 2024 season, which could see him departing Philly after just a short stint, creating a potential gap with no long-term return from the trade.
**Considering Philly’s Future and Tait’s Potential**
Eduardo Tait, only 17, has shown remarkable potential in his minor league outings, sporting a .301 batting average with notable power and speed. He is emerging as a possible future star catcher, a position notoriously difficult to fill with high-caliber offensive talent. Introducing Tait to the major league scene could provide the Phillies with a homegrown talent who could become a linchpin in their future lineups.
Philly’s assistant general manager of player development, Preston Mattingly, has expressed high hopes for Tait, citing his intelligence and work ethic as indicators of his potential to impact the big league team significantly.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have their catching prospect lined up with Moises Ballesteros advancing through their ranks, reducing their necessity to acquire another catcher, even one as promising as Tait.
**A More Prudent Approach**
The Phillies, already equipped with a solid Major League roster, should consider maintaining their developmental assets and seeking out less costly enhancements to their outfield. Investing heavily in a trade for Bellinger could backfire, especially if he opts out after a brief period, leaving the Phillies without a significant return on their sacrifice.
By retaining their young prospect, the Phillies could ensure a more stable and potential-rich future while exploring other avenues to strengthen their team for a postseason charge. The allure of adding a former MVP like Bellinger is strong, but the cost, in this case, seems to outweigh the potential benefits.
