The New York Yankees are among the top teams in baseball with a 54-33 record, just one game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. They are likely to add a bat to their lineup before the July 30 trade deadline, with Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs being a potential target according to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer.
Rymer suggested a trade where the Yankees would receive centerfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, and the Cubs would receive catcher Agustin Ramirez, the No. 20 prospect in the Yankees farm system. Ramirez, 22, was called up to Triple-A this season and has held a .942 OPS in 58 games at the Double-A level.
The Yankees and Bellinger, 28, were involved in trade rumors last season. The Athletic’s Levi Weaver noted in a July 2 story that Bellinger has “drawn interest” from the Yankees.
Bellinger addresses both current and potential long-term needs for the Yankees. With Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, Aaron Judge has moved to right field, and Trent Grisham is manning centerfield. Bellinger could immediately serve as an upgrade over Grisham. Upon Stanton’s return, Judge can move back to centerfield.
“First base is more of a question mark, though. Anthony Rizzo won’t be out forever with a fractured forearm, but the Yankees shouldn’t be content to wait for him,” Rymer wrote. Rizzo’s last 116 games have yielded a .577 OPS. Ben Rice has been playing first base in Rizzo’s absence, and while he is producing with a .270 batting average, the rookie may face regression.
“New York just plain needs another reliable hitter. Even when Stanton was in the lineup alongside Judge and Juan Soto, his 18 home runs only came with a .302 OBP,” Rymer added.
The Cubs, eight games below .500 and 12 back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central, may not be looking to sell big at the trade deadline. However, rivals must be prepared for a possible change in direction.
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before the season. After winning the National League MVP award in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and experiencing three down seasons, he signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in 2023. His resurgence earned him his current deal. This season, Bellinger is slashing .267/.327/.416 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs through July 2. He is an upgrade over the Yankees’ current situation at first base, with 267 career starts at the position.
However, Bellinger’s contract, which includes opt-outs following 2024 and 2025, makes him a tricky trade target as he could either be a rental or a significant financial commitment through 2026. The Yankees are already facing an estimated $61.5 million luxury-tax penalty and have a looming decision with Soto’s contract, which could affect their willingness to financially commit to Bellinger.
