For The Yankees, Acquiring A Seasoned Star Adds Excitement And Optimism, While The Cubs Take A Forward-Thinking Approach Focused On Building For The Future.
In a high-profile trade on Tuesday, the
New York Yankees bolstered their
outfield by acquiring star outfielder Cody
Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. In
exchange, the Yankees sent right-hander
Cody Poteet to Chicago, alongside $5
million in cash, securing Bellinger’s
services for the 2025 season.
Bellinger, who is no stranger to the big
stage, brings a wealth of experience and
a solid bat to the Yankees’ lineup. The 29-
year-old is coming off a strong 2024
season with the Cubs, where he hit .266
with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs across
130 games. His performance was key to
the Cubs’ lineup despite their mid-tier
finish at 83-79, and his production
surged late in the year, driving in 33 RBIs
over his final 39 games.
The move to the Yankees holds several
intriguing possibilities. With Aaron Judge
returning to right field after the
departure of Juan Soto to the Mets,
Bellinger could slot into center field, a
position the Yankees have had to fill in
recent seasons. Additionally, Bellinger’s
versatility—he’s also capable of playing
first base—could provide additional
flexibility, particularly with the Yankees
losing veteran Anthony Rizzo to free
agency. This trade offers the Yankees an
established, All-Star caliber player
capable of both offense and defense.
Bellinger’s contract situation adds an
interesting layer to the deal. He is owed
$27.5 million for the 2025 season as part
of the first year of a two-player option
deal worth $80 million over three years.
His 2026 season comes with a player
option of $25 million, accompanied by a
$5 million buyout, which could allow the
Yankees some flexibility down the road.
The structure of his contract gives New
York a strong financial outlook, provided
Bellinger continues his solid play, with a
$5 million cash injection also coming
from the Cubs to help cover some of the
financial load.
This is a notable move for Bellinger, who
started his career with the Los Angeles
Dodgers, making an immediate impact as
a rookie in 2017. He won the National
League MVP in 2019 after an incredible
season where he hit .305 with 47 homers
and 115 RBIs, helping LA secure the 2020
World Series title. However, after a series
of struggles, including an off-year in
2022, Bellinger was released by the
Dodgers and signed with the Cubs for
2023. He quickly regained his form in
Chicago, hitting a career-best .307 with
26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 steals,
earning him another All-Star selection.
Bellinger’s strong all-around game,
which includes his above-average
defense, will be a welcome addition to
the Yankees as they look to maintain
their competitive edge in the American
League East.
In exchange, the Cubs receive pitcher
Cody Poteet, a 30-year-old right-hander
with a somewhat tumultuous injury
history but promising potential. Poteet
made his major league debut with the
Miami Marlins in 2021, but injuries have
hampered his career. After undergoing
Tommy John surgery in August 2022,
Poteet returned to action with the Kansas
City Royals’ Triple-A team in September
2023. Although he was sidelined for a
period due to a right triceps strain, he
showed impressive form when healthy,
going 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts
and one relief appearance.
Poteet will likely be a project for the
Cubs, but his potential to contribute as a
depth option in the rotation or bullpen
could pay off in the long term. His
performance with Kansas City’s Triple-A
team suggests he is on the road to
recovery and might thrive in a new
environment with the Cubs, who will be
looking to bolster their pitching staff.
The trade highlights the contrasting
directions both teams are taking. While
the Yankees are aggressively pursuing
immediate improvement to stay in
contention for a World Series title, the
Cubs are focused on rebuilding their
roster with younger talent and potential
future stars.
As Bellinger joins the Yankees’ lineup for
2025, both teams look ahead to how this
trade will impact their respective futures
in a rapidly changing MLB landscape. For
the Yankees, the addition of a proven star
brings an added layer of excitement and
hope, while the Cubs shift gears with
their future-oriented approach.
