The New York Yankees have officially traded for outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, a move aimed at bolstering their roster following key departures, including Juan Soto’s shift to the rival New York Mets. As part of the trade, the Cubs have also provided cash considerations to help ease Bellinger’s salary burden.
In the transaction, the Yankees will receive $5 million to offset Bellinger’s hefty payroll, which includes a $27.5 million salary for 2025 and a player option worth $25 million for 2026. The Cubs will cover $2.5 million of his current salary this season, with the rest allocated to potential buyout options for the player option down the line.
At 29 years old, Bellinger, who previously earned the National League MVP title in 2019, showed significant improvement this past season with the Cubs; he enjoyed a revival after struggling in the previous years. His season stats included a batting average of .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. Following his impressive performance, he opted not to vacate the remaining terms of his contract with the Cubs, having signed a three-year, $80 million deal in March.
The Yankees’ acquisition comes shortly after the team signed left-hand pitcher Max Fried and traded for All-Star closer Devin Williams, indicating a concentrated effort to grow their competitive edge after their recent World Series defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger’s arrival adds depth and versatility to the Yankees’ lineup. His presence juggles well with the possibilities for utilizing rookie Jasson Dominguez in center field while offering elite defensive skills as a first baseman—helping to fill the gap left by Anthony Rizzo’s free agency.
Notably, Bellinger is expected to bolster the Yankees’ offensive firepower, especially after the loss of Soto. His track record speaks volumes, as demonstrated during his MVP season, where he boasted an extraordinary .305 batting average alongside 47 home runs.
On the other side, the Cubs are freeing up payroll and making strategic moves after an 83-79 season, striving to enhance their overall team dynamic. As they let go of Bellinger, they have opted to pursue different avenues to ensure their competitiveness.
This trade underscores the ever-evolving strategies teams are employing as they prepare for the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exciting narrative in Major League Baseball. Bellinger’s reinstated form and the Yankees’ aggressive acquisitions signal a drive towards a stronger postseason performance in the coming years.
In summary, the Yankees are taking significant steps to secure a competitive edge, and Bellinger’s rejuvenated abilities promise to be a key asset as they aim for greater success ahead.