As the New York Yankees continue their aggressive push to revamp their roster, recent reports have emerged that the team is in discussions with the Chicago Cubs about acquiring former National League MVP Cody Bellinger. While talks have progressed, a deal remains far from finalized due to unresolved financial issues. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees and Cubs are at an impasse over how to split the financial responsibilities tied to Bellinger’s contract.
The main obstacle in negotiations centers around Bellinger’s contract. He is owed $52.5 million over the final two years of his deal, which includes a player option for the 2025 season. According to Heyman, the Cubs are pushing for the Yankees to take on the bulk of that financial commitment, while the Yankees have countered by requesting that Chicago include cash to offset the cost.
The Yankees, who are mindful of their payroll commitments after signing high-priced stars like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon in recent offseasons, appear reluctant to add another hefty contract without financial relief. Meanwhile, the Cubs, aiming to shed payroll while continuing their own roster overhaul, are hesitant to part with cash in the deal.
Why Bellinger fits the Yankees’ plans
Bellinger, once one of MLB’s brightest stars, experienced a resurgence in 2024 with the Cubs, batting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. His improved performance after struggling through injuries and inconsistency during his final years with the Los Angeles Dodgers has made him an appealing target for teams looking to bolster their lineup.
The Yankees, desperate to add left-handed power and defensive versatility, see Bellinger as a potential solution to their outfield concerns. Adding a player of his caliber could provide much-needed balance to a lineup anchored by Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, particularly as the team seeks to make a deeper postseason run in 2025.
For the Yankees, acquiring Bellinger isn’t just about filling an outfield spot; it’s about addressing specific weaknesses in their roster. In 2024, the Yankees’ offense was heavily reliant on right-handed hitters, leaving the team vulnerable against tough right-handed pitching. Bellinger, a left-handed bat, would provide a much-needed counterbalance and bring power to the lineup.
Defensively, Bellinger is also a strong fit. His ability to play both center field and first base gives the Yankees flexibility, particularly with questions surrounding the health and performance of current outfielders and infielders. His Gold Glove pedigree adds value to a Yankees defense that has been inconsistent in recent years.
The negotiation game
The Cubs’ asking price, however, may complicate negotiations. If Chicago insists on the Yankees assuming the majority of Bellinger’s contract, they risk narrowing the pool of potential suitors. Alternatively, including cash in the deal could make Bellinger more attractive to teams like the Yankees but would require the Cubs to absorb some financial burden.
As the offseason progresses, it’s clear that both teams have leverage in the discussions. For the Yankees, their willingness to walk away from the table could pressure the Cubs into softening their stance on including cash. On the other hand, the Cubs know that Bellinger’s skill set is highly coveted and may wait for other teams to enter the bidding, driving up his value.
“It’s all about finding the right balance,” an unnamed source familiar with the talks told The Athletic. “Both sides see the potential benefits, but neither wants to feel like they’re losing in this deal.”
As of now, no deal is imminent, but the Yankees and Cubs are expected to continue discussions in the coming weeks. The financial hurdle remains the most significant sticking point, but creative solutions—such as including additional players or prospects in the deal—could help bridge the gap.
For the Yankees, the urgency to address their roster needs is clear. The team is determined to close the gap between themselves and the top contenders in the American League, and adding a player like Bellinger could be a key step toward achieving that goal.
The Cubs, meanwhile, will need to decide how much financial flexibility they’re willing to sacrifice to move Bellinger. With the offseason still in full swing, the potential for other teams to enter the fray could also impact the negotiations.
While a trade for Cody Bellinger is far from certain, the discussions between the Yankees and Cubs highlight the complexities of modern MLB transactions. For the Yankees, Bellinger represents an opportunity to address multiple roster needs with one move. For the Cubs, moving Bellinger could accelerate their rebuilding efforts while alleviating financial pressures.
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