The New York Yankees have strengthened their roster by acquiring outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in a recent trade. This move comes as the Yankees aim to replenish their talent pool after the departure of outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets.
In this trade, the Cubs have provided $5 million to assist with Bellinger’s salary, which is set at $27.5 million for the upcoming season, and he has a player option worth $25 million for 2026. Chicago will cover $2.5 million of the $27.5 million salary for this season and will apply the remaining $2.5 million either towards a potential buyout if Bellinger opts out or towards his $25 million payment for 2026.
Bellinger, who is 29 years old and was named the National League MVP in 2019, has shown a remarkable resurgence after struggling in recent years. After joining the Cubs with a three-year contract worth $80 million, Bellinger hit a solid .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs this past season, opting to stay in his contract.
This acquisition follows the Yankees’ recent signings, including a left-handed starter Max Fried and All-Star closer Devin Williams, as they prepare for a stronger comeback following their World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger is not only a versatile player who can fill various roles in the Yankees’ lineup, but he’s also recognized for his exceptional defensive capabilities. He can play as an above-average center fielder or move to left field, easing rookie Jasson Dominguez’s transition. Additionally, should Anthony Rizzo leave in free agency, Bellinger can step in as a reliable first baseman.
Bellinger is known for his powerful batting, which could help compensate for Soto’s exit. During his MVP season, he posted impressive stats, and throughout his eight-year career, he has maintained solid numbers with a .259 batting average, 196 home runs, and 597 RBIs in 1,005 games.
On the other hand, the Cubs have been looking to offload Bellinger to free up payroll as they aim to enhance their roster after finishing the recent season with a 83-79 record. This trade required extensive negotiations regarding the financial aspects, ultimately resulting in the agreement that included the cash component and also saw right-hander Cody Poteet heading to the Cubs.
Additionally, the Cubs made another move on the same day by trading catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.
As the Yankees rebuild their team to compete at a higher level, the addition of a player like Bellinger could prove to be a pivotal step in achieving their goals for the upcoming season. This trade not only bolsters the Yankees’ lineup but also injects hope into their fan base for a more successful 2025 campaign.