Cody Bellinger has officially been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees as part of a move aimed at bolstering the Yankees’ roster in light of recent player changes. This trade follows the departure of outfielder Juan Soto, who signed with the New York Mets as a free agent.
In the transaction, the Cubs sent Bellinger along with $5 million in cash considerations to the Yankees, while New York sent right-hander Cody Poteet to Chicago. This financial arrangement will help offset part of Bellinger’s salary, which is set at $27.5 million for the 2025 season and includes a player option for $25 million in 2026. The Cubs will also cover $2.5 million of Bellinger’s salary for the current season.
Bellinger, 29, had a remarkable return this season after struggling in recent years. He achieved a .266 batting average with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs in 2023, leading to a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs earlier in the year. Able to play both center field and first base, Bellinger brings versatility to the Yankees’ lineup, which is crucial as the team navigates player changes.
The Yankees have also made other significant moves, including the signing of left-handed starter Max Fried and acquiring All-Star closer Devin Williams, demonstrating their commitment to competing for the championship after their recent World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
For the Cubs, the trade represents an attempt to reallocate resources and improve their team after a solid 83-79 season. They had been seeking a trade partner for Bellinger to ease their payroll concerns and ultimately settled on the deal with the Yankees.
In a related move, the Cubs also traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.
This trade for Bellinger could prove vital for the Yankees, enhancing their chance for a stronger season ahead as they look to regain their position among the league’s top teams. For fans of the Yankees and baseball enthusiasts, Bellinger’s return to form offers a promising prospect for an exciting 2024 season.
Overall, the shifts within both teams indicate a strategic mindset toward not just immediate gains but long-term success in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.