Cody Bellinger, who previously seemed set to return to the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season after exercising his player option, has been traded to the New York Yankees. The news was confirmed by multiple sources, including ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jack Curry from YES Network.
The Cubs’ decision to trade Bellinger was influenced by a series of rumors circulating throughout the offseason. CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden reported that Bellinger will take over the center field position for the Yankees, allowing Aaron Judge to shift to right field. This shift exemplifies the Yankees’ strategic adjustments as they enhance their roster.
Despite the trade being anticipated, it was not without its challenges. In November, Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic highlighted that while the Cubs sought to trade Bellinger, executives noted the barriers tied to his contract, which guarantees him $32.5 million and includes a $25 million option for 2026. Concerns about Bellinger’s contract were echoed by a general manager who remarked that the risk associated with his salary and past performance made him a challenging player to move.
Even though some fans expressed frustration over the Cubs’ financial strategy in trading Bellinger rather than pursuing high-profile free agents like Juan Soto or Max Fried, the recent acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros created a crowded outfield situation for the team. This likely propelled the Cubs’ urgency to part ways with Bellinger to streamline their roster.
While Bellinger’s overall performance in the past few years may not consistently reflect his substantial contract, he remains an exceptionally skilled player. He showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions during the 2024 season, including first base and both outfield spots. Once a dominant offensive player, Bellinger won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and the NL MVP in 2019 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His statistics from the 2023 season were impressive, featuring a .307 batting average, 26 home runs, and 97 RBIs, which earned him a Silver Slugger award. Although his performance dipped slightly in 2024, with a .266 batting average and 18 home runs, he still demonstrated the ability to contribute significantly to a team.
In light of this trade, Yankees fans can be hopeful about Bellinger’s potential impact as he looks to continue his comeback from previous struggles, while Cubs fans may find solace in the team’s efforts to reshape their lineup and financial future. The exchange of talent emphasizes a dynamic period for both organizations as they strive for success in the next season.