The New York Yankees have made a significant move by trading for outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet. This trade, which has not been officially announced yet, includes the Cubs sending $5 million to the Yankees as part of the deal.
Cody Bellinger, 29, has a noteworthy connection to the Yankees, as his father, Clay, played a pivotal role in the team’s success during their World Series victories in 1999 and 2000. Currently, Bellinger is owed $27.5 million for the 2025 season under a new contract that totals $80 million over three years. Additionally, he has a player option worth $25 million for 2026, which includes a $5 million buyout that is to be paid in installments in early 2026 and 2027.
In the 2023 season, Bellinger showed promising performance by batting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games. He also had an impressive finish, driving in 33 runs in his last 39 games, although the Cubs ended the season with a record of 83-79. Bellinger boasts a storied career, having debuted in the MLB in 2017 and spent the first six years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was named National League MVP in 2019, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series championship in 2020.
Over his career, he has maintained a batting average of .259 with 196 home runs and 597 RBIs in 1,005 games. As he approaches his 30th birthday in July, Bellinger looks to continue his development and performance with the Yankees.
On the other hand, Cody Poteet, 30, has faced challenges, including recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made his MLB debut in 2021 and has had a journey involving time with the Miami Marlins and a brief stint with the Kansas City Royals. Poteet showcased his potential with the Yankees’ Triple-A team, recording a 2.22 ERA in the 2023 season.
This trade reflects the Yankees’ strategy to bolster their roster with seasoned talent as they look to improve in the upcoming season. Both teams are making moves that could have a significant impact on their future success.
In summary, the Yankees are taking a bold step to enhance their lineup by bringing in a former MVP in Bellinger, while Poteet seeks to establish himself further in the major leagues. The prospects for both players in their new environments could lead to exciting developments in the 2025 season.