The New York Yankees have made a significant move by acquiring outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, in a trade that continues their strategy of enhancing their roster following the defection of outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets. The Cubs will also provide the Yankees with $5 million to help offset Bellinger’s substantial salary.
As part of the trade, the Yankees will send right-hander Cody Poteet to the Cubs. Bellinger, who will earn $27.5 million in 2025, has a player option for $25 million in 2026. The Cubs will cover part of his salary this season by contributing $2.5 million, which also factors into his future contracts.
At just 29 years old, Bellinger is a former National League MVP who has experienced a resurgence in his performance this past season, hitting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs after signing a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs in March. His father, Clay Bellinger, played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001, providing an emotional connection for Cody as he joins the team.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the Yankees to bolster their roster, following significant signings, including left-handed starter Max Fried and All-Star closer Devin Williams. Having faced a World Series defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York is making proactive moves to contend more effectively in the upcoming season.
Bellinger’s adaptability adds depth to the Yankees’ lineup, as he can play both center field and left field, accommodating their rookie Jasson Dominguez in center or filling the first base position, which has become vacant due to Anthony Rizzo’s free agency. With a proven track record, Bellinger could emerge as a crucial hitter in the season’s lineup.
On the other hand, the Cubs are looking to restructure by offloading Bellinger in hopes of improving their own team performance after posting an 83-79 record last season. Negotiations for this trade revolved around financial compensation, ultimately resulting in a deal that satisfies both teams’ needs.
The Cubs also took a step toward optimizing their roster by trading catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations on the same day.
This trade signals a positive shift for both franchises: the Yankees will look to leverage Bellinger’s talents in pursuit of championship success while the Cubs aim to reshape their roster for future competitiveness.
In summary, this trade exemplifies the ongoing dynamics of Major League Baseball, where teams are constantly seeking to balance their rosters and financial commitments, making it an exciting time for fans eager to see the results on the field.