 |
| Cody Bellinger. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images |
New York - The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, bolstering their lineup in the wake of Juan Soto's departure to the New York Mets.
In the trade announced Tuesday, the Cubs will send Bellinger and cash considerations to the Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. The financial details reveal the Yankees will receive $5 million to help offset Bellinger's substantial contract, which stands at $27.5 million for the 2025 season with a player option of $25 million in 2026.
Bellinger represents a significant addition to the Yankees' roster, bringing versatility and defensive prowess. He can play center field or left field and is also an elite defensive first baseman. This acquisition comes on the heels of the Yankees' recent moves, including signing left-handed starter Max Fried and trading for All-Star closer Devin Williams.
The 30-year-old outfielder brings a decorated history to New York, including a memorable MVP season in 2019 when he hit .305 with 47 home runs. Over his eight-year career, Bellinger has accumulated 196 home runs and 597 RBIs across 1,005 games, batting .259 with an .484 slugging percentage.
For the Cubs, the trade represents a strategic financial move, helping to free up payroll after a 83-79 season. The team will receive Poteet, a 30-year-old pitcher who started four games for the Yankees in 2023, posting a impressive 2.22 ERA in 24⅓ innings.
In a separate transaction, the Cubs also traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.
The trade underscores the ongoing reshaping of both teams' rosters as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.
