MLB Network's latest Blue Jays-Cubs trade proposal is a fireable offense

Now that the MLB Winter Meetings have come to an end, teams are continuing to work on building up their teams this offseason. After front office members were able to negotiate a little in person, that can lead to some more after the annual event.

MLB Network is keeping that talk alive with some mock trades that are absolutely absurd. The one involving the Blue Jays in particular is absolutely crazy as it has Toronto acquiring former National League MVP, Cody Bellinger, from the Cubs for two top-five prospects and Ernie Clement. Bellinger is owed $27.5 million next season and has a player opt out after the season.

That contract is scary for the Blue Jays as it could essentially be an expensive one year deal for some of the bigger pieces in Toronto's farm system. Not only is the money a problem, but Bellinger's production is also a concern as he had an OPS of .751 with 18 home runs and a wRC+ of 109. That's not horrible, but he regressed a ton after posting an OPS of .881 with 26 home runs and a wRC+ of 136.

MLB Network's mock Cody Bellinger trade between the Blue Jays and Cubs is ridiculous

The return for Bellinger is just an absolute overpay from Toronto, starting with Clement. The defensive first infielder had a decent year in 2024, belting 12 home runs, putting up wRC+ of 94, and posting an OPS of .692. That was his first full season in the MLB, but he was a slightly below average hitter. His defense though was solid, saving nine defensive runs and getting an outs above average of three.

The next two in this deal are what throw it off. Jake Bloss is the Blue Jays third ranked prospect who made his MLB debut with the Astros in 2024, but struggled once he joined Toronto's organization. Last season with four teams in the minors, Bloss posted an earned run average of 3.18 across 93.1 innings and had a WHIP of 1.07. He has the stuff and could be a solid rookie pitcher in 2025.

The other piece of this deal was Toronto's fifth ranked prospect Arjun Nimmala, a 19-year-old shortstop with a ton of upside. In Single-A last season, Nimmala belted 16 home runs with a wRC+ of 121 and an OPS of .790. His power potential is very impressive, which is great from shortstop, but he's got a long way of development to go through. Nonetheless, an important prospect in the Blue Jays organization.

Overall, this mock trade proposal is absolutely ridiculous for the Blue Jays to even consider. Bellinger would be a nice add to the Blue Jays lineup, but for key pieces like this, it is not worth it. This trade completely favors the Cubs and it would be a mistake for Toronto to think about it. This isn't the first crazy mock trade between the two teams this offseason either.