The Cubs want to trade Bellinger but such a deal is considered unlikely, according to The Athletic. Bellinger opted into the second season of a three-year, $80 million deal earlier this fall. After posting a .307 batting average and .525 slugging percentage and driving in 97 runs in 2023, Bellinger's numbers dipped this past season.

So far, much has been reported about Soto and the courting process teams have gone through. Credible reporters have suggested a handful of teams have made initial offers. On Thanksgiving, some less credible and fringe social media users started whispering unfounded "reports" about Soto agreeing to a deal.