Sources: Cubs tell teams Bellinger won't be dealt

CHICAGO -- The Cubs' turnaround on the field has led to a change in strategy off it as opposing teams have been told outfielder and free-agent-to-be Cody Bellinger will not be traded, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The Cubs, winners of eight in a row heading into Sunday's contest against the St. Louis Cardinals, will instead look to add relief help as they've closed the gap in the NL Central division race as well as for an NL wild card spot. The Cubs are 3.5 games behind first place Milwaukee and just 3 games out of the final wild card spot.

Bellinger, 28, is having a resurgent year after signing a one-year, $17 million contract with Chicago last offseason. He's hitting .315/.368/.540 this season but has been even better since the All-Star break. His OPS since then is 1.140 while playing stellar defense, both in centerfield and first base.

Scouts from other teams have been following the Cubs in anticipation of them subtracting come the trade deadline which is Tuesday evening. But their win streak has changed the trajectory of the team and Bellinger.