The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, the information was released by Jeff Passan’s ESPN and confirmed by other outlets
The Yankees will receive $5 million to help offset Bellinger’s contract while sending right-handed reliever Cody Poteet to Chicago.
Yankees make major move for Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger, 29, will earn $27.5 million in 2025 and holds a $25 million player option for 2026. The Cubs will cover $2.5 million this season and an additional $2.5 million to offset either the buyout or his salary, depending on whether Bellinger exercises his option.
This trade marks the Yankees’ latest move following the loss of Juan Soto in free agency to the Mets. New York has been aggressive in retooling its roster, adding ace Max Fried and closer Devin Williams to bolster their pitching staff. Bellinger provides both versatility and production, capable of playing center field or first base.
Cody Bellinger’s resurgence with the Cubs
Bellinger rebounded with the Cubs after struggling with injuries earlier in his career. In 2023, he hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 steals, re-establishing his value. While his 2024 production dipped slightly, he still managed a respectable .266/.325/.426 line with 18 home runs and 2.2 WAR across 130 games. Opting into his $27.5 million contract for 2025, he became a key trade chip for a Cubs team looking to free up payroll after acquiring Kyle Tucker last week.
Poteet, 30, had a solid but injury-limited season with the Yankees in 2024, posting a 2.22 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 24 1/3 innings. The Cubs add a reliable bullpen arm as they continue reworking their roster.
Yankees’ lineup flexibility with Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger’s flexibility is particularly valuable to the Yankees. He could play center field alongside Aaron Judge and Jasson Domínguez, with Ben Rice at first base, or shift to first base depending on lineup needs. However, the Yankees still face a few roster questions, including their outfield depth and infield alignment.
For the Cubs, this trade signals a financial reset. Their current outfield includes Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki. Third base appears open for rookie Matt Shaw, though he could shift to second if the team explores trading Nico Hoerner. The savings from this deal could be redirected toward pitching upgrades.
Ultimately, the Yankees address a major gap in their lineup with Cody Bellinger, a former MVP whose resurgence offers a strong complement to their offensive core. The Cubs, meanwhile, gain payroll flexibility and pitching depth as they look to reshape their competitive window.
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