After a major trade that brought Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, the team is back at it, making another significant move.
This time, Chicago is sending an outfielder instead of acquiring one. The Cubs and Yankees have agreed to a deal that will send Cody Bellinger and cash to New York, while right-hander Cody Poteet heads to Chicago.
Chicago’s decision to part ways with Bellinger came as no surprise after they acquired Tucker from the Astros. With a crowded outfield and Bellinger on a less-than-ideal contract, it made sense for the Cubs to move him.
Bellinger, who had struggled after his MVP season with the Dodgers, revived his career in Chicago. Over two seasons with the Cubs, he posted batting averages of .307 and .266, finishing 10th in MVP voting in 2023 and winning the Silver Slugger Award.
For the Yankees, Bellinger provides a new answer in the outfield following Juan Soto’s departure. While replacing Soto’s .288 average and 41 home runs won’t be easy, Bellinger now has the task of filling that void. His strong 2023 season, in which he hit .307 with 26 home runs, is encouraging. In Yankee Stadium, those 26 homers could easily translate to 32 or 33.
Additionally, Bellinger is expected to take over as the Yankees’ center fielder, allowing Aaron Judge to return to his natural right field position. Bellinger, who won a Gold Glove in 2019, will be back at a position he’s very familiar with.
Though Poteet, the only player leaving New York in the trade, might not seem like a major piece, the Yankees are taking on a significant portion of Bellinger’s contract. They’ll pay $47.5M of Bellinger’s remaining $52.5M over the next two seasons.
Poteet, who has pitched just 83 innings over three seasons, has a solid 3.80 career ERA. It’s expected that he’ll serve as a bullpen arm for the Cubs, who have a well-established starting rotation.
Despite losing Soto, the Yankees have made it clear that they’re not out of contention. General manager Brian Cashman and the front office have been busy, making key additions like Bellinger, Max Fried, and Devin Williams.
New York may not be done yet, as they are still in the mix for first baseman Christian Walker. If they manage to secure all four players, the Yankees could very well be the favorites to represent the AL in the World Series in 2025
