In a significant move, the New York Yankees have acquired outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet and a cash consideration. This trade occurs as the Yankees are looking to enhance their roster after losing out to the New York Mets in the chase for Juan Soto, who recently became a free agent.
As part of the deal, the Yankees will receive $5 million to help subsidize Bellinger’s contract, which is set at $27.5 million for 2025, with a player option of $25 million for 2026. The Cubs will take responsibility for the remaining $2.5 million of Bellinger’s salary this season, with the rest potentially covering a contract buyout or contributing to his 2026 salary if he opts in.
Bellinger, the former National League MVP in 2019, has shown a resurgence this past season with the Cubs, where he posted a solid batting line of .266/.325/.426 along with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. Despite having experienced a challenging stretch over the past few years, he opted not to terminate his deal with Chicago, further showcasing his commitment to continuing his upward trajectory.
With the recent addition of Bellinger—following the signing of left-handed starter Max Fried and the acquisition of All-Star closer Devin Williams—the Yankees are actively refreshing their roster in response to their previous World Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger’s flexibility is an asset to the squad, as he can effectively fill multiple positions, including center field and first base.
The Cubs, on their end, have been aiming to offload Bellinger to relieve payroll restrictions while seeking improvements for a team that finished the season with a record of 83-79. After extensive negotiations, both teams agreed to the $5 million financial arrangement alongside the trade of Poteet, who showed promise during his time with the Yankees.
In a further transaction, the Cubs also traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.
This trade not only enhances the Yankees’ lineup with a potent bat but also reaffirms Bellinger’s potential as he returns to form, hinting at an exciting season ahead. The Yankees appear determined to rebound, emphasizing their commitment to competing at the highest level in the upcoming season.
In summary, the acquisition of Cody Bellinger could be a game-changer for the Yankees as they strive for a championship run, while the Cubs look to reshape their roster and improve for the future. This trade marks a pivotal moment for both teams, reflecting their differing goals and the dynamic nature of baseball trades.