Brewers fans hoping Cubs come up empty in Cody Bellinger-Kyle Tucker trade mess

Off the heels of a relatively mild Winter Meetings (especially for the Brewers), a few clubs are discussing trades involving some high-caliber outfielders. The Chicago Cubs have been listening to offers for former MVP Cody Bellinger in the hopes of pulling off an even bigger blockbuster of their own.

The left-handed slugger had a very solid 2023 year, finishing with a 4.4 bWAR, but fell off a little bit this past season. Therefore, the Chicago club feels that his hefty contract isn't worth the limited production. They are currently searching for a trade destination that can help them land some much-needed pitching depth.

Moreover, the Brewers' NL Central rivals are looking to replace Bellinger with a more efficient corner outfield option. Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker has entered conversations between the clubs' front offices. With that being said, there are quite a few scenarios that could play out, and Brewers fans will certainly want to tune in for this ordeal.

Cody Bellinger has been linked to trade conversations with the New York Yankees

First of all, Cody Bellinger is a major component of a potential trade for the Cubs. Despite his drop-off last year, the Yankees are in hot pursuit of a deal for this talented slugger to replace superstar outfielder Juan Soto.

The loss of his bat in the lineup would benefit the Brewers pitching staff greatly. In 2024, the former Dodger slashed .333/.355/.500 with three extra-base hits in 31 at-bats against Milwaukee hurlers, so Brewers fans would sleep easier at night if he's no longer in their division.

They might not be happy about the Cubbies clearing cash, though, because things could get worse.

Astros have placed Kyle Tucker on the trade block, with Cubs chasing

However, this wouldn't necessarily be advantageous for the Brewers. The 2020 NL Central champs will immediately seek out his replacement in the lineup and the outfield. Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros has been in talks with the Cubs, and Chicago would prefer his bat in their everyday lineup.

This powerful left-handed hitter would be a more daunting opponent, as he's been a top-five offensive right fielder in the American League since his debut in 2018. The Tampa native has also found success against the Brewers as of late, recording a .400 average against Milwaukee pitching a year ago.

The Yankees are another organization that are entertaining Kyle Tucker as a possible Soto replacement if they don't acquire Bellinger, a 2023 Silver Slugger winner. These potential deals will ultimately come down to which teams are able to supply the most attractive package of prospects with an MLB-ready athlete.

New York would likely have to include Rookie of the Year finalist Luis Gil in their deal for Tucker. The right-handed starter could be a fantastic addition to the Astros pitching staff. The Yankees would also be willing to include a few prospects from their talented farm system if necessary as well.

Chicago, on the other hand, has talented MLB pieces: Seiya Suzuki (and his no-trade clause) may not be available, but Isaac Paredes, Cody Bellinger (of course), and prospects like Cam Smith/Matt Shaw have been floated. These veterans would fit well in any clubhouse willing to take on their contracts.

Amidst all of the chaos and intermingling of different teams, it is definitely plausible that the Cubs will come away empty in this situation, or lose out on their prized outfielder of choice. As a Brewers fan, you can only watch intently from the sidelines and hope that this debacle doesn't leave the Cubs with a significantly better Opening Day roster.