The New York Yankees have made a significant move by acquiring outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, solidifying their roster with top-tier talent following Juan Soto’s departure to the New York Mets. The trade, which also included cash considerations, saw the Yankees send right-hander Cody Poteet to Chicago.
As part of the deal, the Yankees will receive $5 million to help mitigate Bellinger’s salary, which amounts to $27.5 million for the 2025 season, along with a player option worth $25 million for 2026. The Cubs will contribute $2.5 million towards Bellinger’s salary this season, with the remaining $2.5 million potentially covering either a buyout or part of his 2026 salary.
Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, has shown substantial improvement following a tough stretch in his career. This past season, he hit .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs, leading the Yankees to believe he can be a significant asset as they look to recover from a World Series loss to the Dodgers. With a contract worth three years and $80 million secured with the Cubs earlier this year, Bellinger’s strategic versatility will complement the Yankee lineup—playing either in center or left field, or even at first base.
This trade marks a renewed push for the Yankees as they aim to rebuild following Soto’s exit. Bellinger’s dynamic skills at bat, alongside his solid defensive abilities, provide the Yankees with a promising solution to fill gaps in their lineup. In his eight-season career, he has maintained an impressive .259 batting average and tallied 196 home runs.
The Cubs, meanwhile, are looking to streamline their payroll to better position themselves for future improvements after finishing the season with an 83-79 record. They have actively sought to move Bellinger since the offseason and negotiated this deal to bring in Poteet, who has demonstrated potential as a reliable pitcher.
Overall, this trade could signal a bright future for both teams as the Yankees bolster their chances for a competitive season while the Cubs aim to rebuild and re-strategize for upcoming opportunities.
This move reinforces the idea that while teams may part ways with star players, these transactions can pave the way for new beginnings and a chance for revitalization in performance on the field.