San Diego Padres should target Cody Bellinger at the trade deadline
The best bat on the market will be Cody Bellinger's and expect the Chicago Cubs to sell high on him. He checks a lot of boxes for most teams at the trade deadline and can be someone who could sign next season as he is scheduled to hit free agency over the winter.
He is having a good bounce-back season for the Cubs after parting ways with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's slashing .319/.369/.549 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI. Chicago signed a number of free agents last winter, including former Padres' first baseman Eric Hosmer, but injuries have derailed the 2023 season on the North Side.
Prior to last season, Bellinger came up clutch for the Dodgers, and Friars fans know all about that. His left-handed bat would benefit from Petco Park's dimensions and he can play all three outfield positions.
The asking price for Bellinger will be high and there are going to be plenty of teams involved like the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants. This would be a season-saving move from Preller, but one that adds serious thump to their lineup and an extra outfielder.