Cody Bellinger, son of former New York Yankee Clay Bellinger, is coming home. The Yankees have acquired Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports.
In addition to Bellinger, the Yankees will get up to $5 million from the Cubs to defray Bellinger’s hefty salary. In exchange, the Yankees will send over Cody Poteet, who pitched ably in four starts for the Bronx Bombers in 2024.
Bellinger, who can play both first base and the outfield, potentially fills two defensive gaps for the Yankees, whose weaknesses were exposed in the error-filled World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cashman is Making Moves
Since losing the Juan Soto sweepstakes last week to the New York Mets, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has been on the offensive, making strategic acquisitions to address the team’s major deficiencies.
The Yankees signed free agent top-tier starter Max Fried this week and traded for elite closer Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers last week.
These moves significantly strengthen both the rotation and bullpen while improving defense and high-leverage situational pitching — areas that faltered during last season’s World Series run.
Bellinger not only fills a hole at first left by Anthony Rizzo, whom the Yankees have decided not to bring back, but he can also play center field, reducing the wear and tear on the team’s captain, superstar Aaron Judge.
Offensively, Bellinger’s bat has been inconsistent in recent years, but he showed signs of returning to form in 2023. That year, he hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, earning the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. While his offensive numbers dipped in 2024 — he hit .266 with 18 home runs — Bellinger remains a capable hitter, particularly one who can take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field.
The Money Factor
For the Cubs, this trade is largely a salary move.
Chicago recently acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker and plans to start Michael Busch at first base. Busch, set to earn just $800,000 in 2025, will not be eligible for arbitration until 2027.
By trading Bellinger, the Cubs offload their second-highest salary. Bellinger is owed $27.5 million in 2025 and holds a player option for 2026, with a salary of $25 million.
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