Cody Bellinger as trade speculation begins swirling around Cubs: 'We just have to keep fighting'

CHICAGO (670 The Score) – The Cubs fell to 39-47 with a 6-4 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday in a game that showcased their weaknesses.

The Cubs produced just one run and two hits in the first eight innings and were held at bay by Phillies rookie right-hander Michael Mercado, who threw five effective innings in his first MLB start. As the Cubs continue to stumble, the players understand that changes are coming if they don’t turn it around.

“This has been disappointing for sure,” outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger said Tuesday night of the Cubs’ free fall in the past two months. “We all had such great expectations and, overall, I think we still do. Today I put some good swings on the ball and had a couple of bad breaks. We just have to keep fighting.”

The Cubs rank 25th in MLB in slugging percentage (.367) and 23rd in OPS (.677). The team has also struggled to hit with runners in scoring position.

For his part, Bellinger senses a team full of professional hitters trying to do too much. Bellinger is hitting .270 with nine homers, 35 RBIs and a .750 OPS in 72 games.

“It's a little hard to explain," Bellinger said. “It feels like it's unlucky at times. A lot of hard-hit balls getting caught. For myself, I want to do more. It's what I strive to do, and frankly, I think I can do way more.

“We have had a lot of discussions about how hard it is, but overall it seems to be better. We have had some unlucky breaks. We just have to keep going. For me and most of the players, when you start chasing the slug, it can go downhill for you pretty quickly. You must concentrate on the end goal.
In my case, I must stick to the right approach.”

Bellinger found himself in trade rumors last summer before the Cubs went on an eight-game winning streak in July and were buyers at the trade deadline. With the Cubs underperforming currently, the trade speculation will once again pick up for Bellinger and his teammates as the deadline looms on July 30.

Bellinger was an impending free agent in 2023 when the trade deadline arrived. This time around, he’s in the first season of a three-year contract, which also includes the ability for him to opt out after this season.

“It feels a little different this year,” Bellinger said. "Like last year, I am not going to think about it. It would just be a distraction to what you want to accomplish. So I won't think about it and take it day to day.”

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer kept Bellinger in the loop in 2023 when teams called about Bellinger's availability.

"I feel last year there was some good communication,” Bellinger said of his discussions with Hoyer. "We all understood where we were all at. I expect the same from him this year if it comes to that.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine .