MLB Rumors: Cubs Prepare Firesale amid Cody Bellinger, Taillon, Hoerner Trade Buzz

The Chicago Cubs may be sellers once again at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that while the Cubs are "undecided" on selling at the deadline, they are "preparing" for a significant sell-off with players like Cody Bellinger, Jameson Taillon and Nico Hoerner as major trade chips.

"The Cubs are telling teams they still remain undecided whether they will be sellers at the trade deadline, but are preparing for a potential sale, with Bellinger, Jameson Taillon and Nico Hoerner expected to draw interest," Nightengale wrote. "It's hard to believe how things went south on the Northside after their 17-9 start."

Heading into the 2024 season, this seemed like an unlikely reality. Chicago had barely missed out on the playoffs in 2023, hired away Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell and had even retained Bellinger in free agency.

This led to the 17-9 start to the season, but it has not been smooth sailing since then. Chicago had a difficult May and June, with a 21-34 combined record, and currently sits in last place in the NL Central at 41-49.

The Cubs are 11 games out of first place in the division and six games outside of the final NL Wild Card spot. With another missed postseason looking likely, capitalizing on some assets could be attractive while the Cubs wait for continued growth from Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cade Horton and Matt Shaw.

Bellinger would be the biggest name available. He is currently hitting .270/.330/.417 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs. He is a two-time All-Star, former NL MVP and a two-time Silver Slugger who has an opt-out following the 2024 season.

Taillon is more of a long-term commitment as he is under contract through 2026. However, he has returned to form in 2024 and is 5-4 with a 2.99 ERA. Hoerner is also under contract through 2026 and is a two-time Gold Glove winner who has struggled a bit at the plate in 2024 but hit over .280 in both 2022 and 2023.

The MLB Trade Deadline is set for July 30 at 6 p.m. ET.