There has been plenty of trade speculation surrounding the Diamondbacks and the Cubs this offseason, as both players have outsized salaries and are somewhat imperfect roster fits on their respective clubs. These same i sues have seemingly led to a rather quiet trade market for either player to date, though writes that Arizona tried to get the Cubs interested in a swap involving the two players. It isnt known if the proposed deal was a straight one-for-one trade or if other players were involved, though it could be a moot point since the Cubs apparently didnt have much interest. Bellinger chose to pa s on his opt-out clause in the wake of only an okay 2024 season, leaving him on Chicagos roster through the 2026 season for $52.5MM in remaining salary. This breaks down as $27.5MM in 2025, and then Bellinger can either opt out of the final year of the deal and pocket a $5MM buyout on his way back to free agency, or he can again forego the opt-out clause and earn $25MM in 2026. Montgomery also decided against opting out of the final year of his two-year deal Arizona, and will receive $22.5MM for the 2025 season. Whereas a case couldve been made for Bellinger to test the market again this winter, there was no doubt Montgomery would be staying in his contract in the wake of a disastrous first season with the DBacks. Montgomery signed with Arizona just before Opening Day and then struggled to a 6.23 ERA over 117 innings, seemingly a by-product of mi sing Spring Training and not having a proper ramp-up due to his extended stint in free agency. DBacks owner Ken Kendrick was of the Montgomery signing during a radio interview back in October, which was viewed as either some surprisingly harsh honesty from an executive about a player, or as Kendricks attempt to try and get Montgomery to opt out of his contract just to pursue a fresh start elsewhere. If the latter, the tactic obviously Alex Speas Jersey didnt work, and Nightengale writes that the Diamondbacks are shopping [Montgomery] everywhere to try and move that salary off the books. A Montgomery-for-Bellinger trade is fascinating for several reasons, beginning with the simple fact that they were both members of the so-called Boras Four. Along with and , Montgomery and Bellinger were both represented by agent Scott Boras last offseason, and all four players ended up settling for shorter-term contracts with opt-out after lengthy stints in free agency didnt result in the lucrative longer-term pacts each player was looking to score. It should be noted that Chapman and Snell have now found such contracts in the last few months Chapman via his extension with the Giants and Snells new with the Dodgers. From a pure baseball perspective, swapping Montgomery for Bellinger helps the DBacks and Cubs each addre s some needs. Bellinger would bring offense to an Arizona team that might be losing , , and in free agency, and Bellinger could slot right in as a replacement for Walker at first base. While Bellingers left-handed bat would further imbalance a Diamondbacks lineup that is already heavy with lefty swingers, Bellingers ability to play the outfield could make the DBacks more comfortable in of their in-house left-handed hitting outfielders. or are the likeliest trade candidates, since obviously isnt going anywhere. The Diamondbacks have a rotation surplus that is trade interest, and moving Montgomery to the Cubs would help Chicago bolster the back of its rotation. was recently signed to join , , and in the Cubs starting five, and though is lined up for that fifth starters job, the Cubs are to more additions in the starting pitching department. Trading for Montgomery would give Chicago its own semi-surplus of rotation options that could be turned into trade chips, and also move Bellinger out of the Cub crowded outfield and first base situation. Despite his rough 2024 numbers, it wouldnt be surprising to see Montgomery rebound to his old self now that hell have the benefit of a normal offseason. Its probably safe to a sume that hed be a popular bounce-back candidate in trade talks if it wasnt for the $22.5MM price tag, as rival teams might not want to make quite that big of a bet that Montgomery can regain his old form. The Astros, Mariners, and Yankees have some degree of interest in Bellinger, and New York in particular could emerge as a stronger suitor if the team doesnt re-sign . Even if the numbers havent matched up to date for the Cubs in for Bellinger, this active market could be a reason why the Cubs are aiming a bit higher in their pursuits than perhaps settling for Montgomery in a swap of unfavorable contracts. While Bellinger might yet opt out after 2025, the Diamondbacks would be facing the bigger financial burden in taking on two years of salary in exchange for Montgomerys final remaining year. After the 2025 season, however, a good deal of money is coming off Arizonas books, as , , and are all free agents next winter. That could make fitting Bellinger into the 2026 payroll a bit more palatable for the Snakes. Drew Thorpe Jersey