The New York Yankees have made a significant move by trading for outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. This acquisition aims to bolster their roster following the departure of outfielder Juan Soto, who signed with the New York Mets.
As part of the trade, the Cubs will send Bellinger along with cash considerations to New York. The Yankees will receive $5 million to help cover Bellinger’s salary, which totals $27.5 million for the 2025 season, and he has a player option for $25 million in 2026. The Cubs will contribute $2.5 million to partially cover Bellinger’s salary this season, with the remainder allocated toward his potential contract buyout or next year’s salary, depending on whether he exercises his player option.
Bellinger, a 29-year-old former National League MVP from 2019, has made a strong comeback after facing ups and downs in his performance. In 2023, he excelled with the Cubs, posting a batting average of .266, hitting 18 home runs, and driving in 78 runs, leading to a three-year, $80 million contract earlier this year.
The Yankees have also made other key acquisitions, such as left-handed starter Max Fried and All-Star closer Devin Williams, to reinforce their squad after a World Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger’s versatility—able to play both center field and first base—fills critical gaps in the Yankees’ lineup, particularly as they explore different options for their roster.
Bellinger’s offensive capabilities and excellent defense position him as a pivotal player for the Yankees moving forward. Known for his powerful hitting demonstrated during his MVP season, he adds depth to the batting order, particularly in light of Soto’s departure.
The Cubs, on the other hand, have been looking to trade Bellinger to alleviate payroll as they seek to improve upon their 83-79 record from last season. The trade talks centered around the financial aspects, ultimately concluding with the agreed-upon amount.
Additionally, the Cubs traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations on the same day, further emphasizing their drive to streamline their roster.
Overall, this trade represents a strategic effort by the Yankees to enhance their competitiveness after a challenging season, while the Cubs make financial adjustments to revamp their team for future success. As the upcoming season approaches, fans of both teams will be eager to see how these changes impact their respective prospects.