The New York Yankees have acquired Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet and cash considerations. This move addresses the Yankees' lineup needs following Juan Soto's departure, while the Cubs gain pitching depth and financial flexibility. Bellinger's versatility and potential to thrive in Yankee Stadium make him a valuable addition to New York's roster.
The New York Yankees have made a significant move by acquiring outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. This trade, which involves sending pitcher Cody Poteet and $5 million in cash to the Yankees, is part of both teams' strategic plans for the upcoming seasons. Bellinger's addition comes at a crucial time for the Yankees, who are looking to strengthen their lineup following the loss of Juan Soto to free agency.
The trade between the Yankees and the Cubs involves the exchange of Cody Bellinger for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet, along with $5 million in cash considerations. Bellinger, a former National League MVP, is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025, with a player option for $25 million in 2026. The Cubs will cover $2.5 million of his salary for 2025, with the remaining $2.5 million potentially going towards his 2026 salary or buyout. This move allows the Cubs to clear cap space and focus on other areas of their roster, particularly after acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Astros, which left them with a surplus of outfielders. For the Yankees, acquiring Bellinger helps fill the void left by Soto's departure and adds a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions, including center field and first base [1] [2].
Cody Bellinger, who turns 30 in July, has experienced a resurgence in his career. After a stellar 2023 season with the Cubs, where he hit .307 with 26 home runs, Bellinger's performance dipped slightly in 2024, with a .266 batting average and 18 home runs. Despite this, his ability to play multiple positions and his uppercut swing make him a valuable asset for the Yankees, particularly in Yankee Stadium's home run-friendly environment. Bellinger's versatility allows him to fit into various lineup configurations, providing manager Aaron Boone with flexibility in managing the team's roster. His defensive skills, though slightly declined, still offer significant value, especially in the Yankees' outfield [3] [4].
The Cubs' decision to trade Bellinger aligns with their strategy to balance their roster and financial commitments. By acquiring Cody Poteet, the Cubs add a versatile pitcher who has shown promise in limited major league action. Poteet, who has a 3.80 ERA across 83 innings in the majors, brings a five-pitch repertoire that includes a four-seam fastball, sinker, and sweeper. His recent performance with a 2.22 ERA in 2024 suggests potential for growth, and the Cubs may look to develop his skills further to enhance their pitching depth. This move also reflects the Cubs' focus on maximizing their roster's potential following the acquisition of Kyle Tucker, which necessitated clearing space in their outfield [5] [6].
The trade between the Yankees and the Cubs marks a pivotal moment for both teams. For the Yankees, acquiring Cody Bellinger provides a versatile and experienced player who can help fill the offensive gap left by Juan Soto. Meanwhile, the Cubs gain financial flexibility and a promising pitcher in Cody Poteet, aligning with their strategic goals to enhance their roster. As both teams prepare for the upcoming season, this trade could have significant implications for their respective performances.
"We’re not done yet." - Jed Hoyer
"Cody and I have been talking a lot about it." - Scott Boras