Yankees Acquire Cody Bellinger in Trade with Cubs

Yankees Acquire Cody Bellinger in Trade with Cubs \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The New York Yankees have agreed to acquire Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet and $5 million in financial compensation. Bellinger, a former NL MVP and two-time All-Star, strengthens the Yankees’ outfield with his offensive power and defensive versatility. For the Cubs, Poteet offers a potential pitching option as they look toward the future.

Yankees Acquire Cody Bellinger: Trade Breakdown Quick Looks

• Blockbuster Deal: Yankees land outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Cubs in a significant offseason trade.
• Financial Details: Chicago sends the Yankees $5 million to help cover Bellinger’s substantial contract.
• Contract Breakdown: Bellinger earns $27.5 million in 2025 with a $25 million player option for 2026.
• Bellinger’s Performance: Batted .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs in 130 games this year.
• Cody Poteet: The Cubs acquire the 30-year-old right-hander, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery.
• Family Legacy: Bellinger’s father, Clay Bellinger, won two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000.

Deep Look

The New York Yankees have made a significant offseason move, acquiring outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. A person familiar with the negotiations revealed the trade details on Tuesday, including a $5 million financial adjustment sent by the Cubs to help offset Bellinger’s remaining contract obligations. The deal is yet to be officially announced.

Why Cody Bellinger? A Proven Asset for the Yankees

Cody Bellinger, 29, is a name synonymous with power, versatility, and postseason success. A former National League MVP (2019) and two-time All-Star, Bellinger provides the Yankees with an immediate upgrade to their lineup while addressing their needs in the outfield and at first base.

In the 2024 season, Bellinger hit .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games. Despite missing time early in the season due to a fractured right rib (April 24–May 7), he finished strong, driving in 33 runs during his final 39 games. His resurgence has reassured teams of his ability to remain a consistent offensive producer after injuries briefly slowed his career.

Bellinger’s current contract is part of a three-year, $80 million deal, which includes:

• A $27.5 million salary for 2025.
• A $25 million player option for 2026, with a $5 million buyout split into two equal payments on January 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.

This significant financial obligation reflects Bellinger’s value as a top-tier player capable of delivering both offensive power and defensive flexibility.

Bellinger’s Career Highlights and Comeback

Cody Bellinger made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he quickly became one of the most exciting young stars in baseball. His standout 2019 MVP season saw him hit .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs in 156 games, showcasing his ability to produce at an elite level.

He was also instrumental in helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. However, injuries and inconsistent play hampered his production over the next few years. The Dodgers released him in November 2022, and he signed a one-year, $17.5 million deal with the Cubs shortly after.

The move to Chicago proved to be a turning point for Bellinger. In 2023, he enjoyed a resurgence, hitting a career-best .307 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 steals in 130 games. His return to form demonstrated his adaptability and reinforced his value as a dynamic player capable of impacting the game on both offense and defense.

For his career, Bellinger has a .259 batting average, 196 home runs, and 597 RBIs over 1,005 games. At 29 years old (turning 30 in July 2025), Bellinger remains in his prime, making him a key acquisition for a Yankees team with championship aspirations.

Yankees’ Motivation: Strengthening the Lineup

By acquiring Bellinger, the Yankees address two critical needs:

1. Outfield Depth and Versatility: Bellinger can play both center field and first base, giving the Yankees flexibility in constructing their defensive lineup.
2. Offensive Production: His combination of power, contact hitting, and base-running ability provides a valuable boost to a lineup looking for consistency.

The trade also carries sentimental value for Yankees fans. Bellinger’s father, Clay Bellinger, won two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000, adding a familial legacy to Cody’s arrival in New York.

Cody Poteet: The Cubs’ Return in the Deal

In exchange for Bellinger, the Cubs receive Cody Poteet, a 30-year-old right-hander with major league experience and untapped potential.

Poteet debuted with the Miami Marlins in 2021 but faced setbacks due to injury. He underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2022 and missed much of the following year while recovering. Poteet returned to the mound late in 2023 with the Kansas City Royals’ Triple-A affiliate before being released and subsequently signed by the Yankees in January 2024.

Poteet’s 2024 season showed promise despite injury interruptions. In limited action, he posted a 3-0 record with a 2.22 ERA over four starts and one relief appearance. He missed significant time between June 12 and September 25 due to a strained right triceps, but when healthy, he demonstrated strong command and effectiveness on the mound.

For the Cubs, Poteet represents a low-risk addition with the potential to contribute as a back-end starter or bullpen option.

Trade Impact: A Win-Win for Both Teams?

For the Yankees, Bellinger’s acquisition signals their commitment to contending for a championship in 2025. His combination of postseason experience, versatility, and offensive firepower makes him a critical addition to their roster.

For the Cubs, the trade allows them to offload part of Bellinger’s financial burden while acquiring a promising pitcher in Poteet, who, if healthy, could bolster their pitching depth.

What’s Next?

As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Bellinger to see if he can maintain the form that revived his career with Chicago. His addition brings excitement and heightened expectations for a team hungry to return to the postseason and compete for a championship.

Meanwhile, the Cubs will look to develop Poteet while exploring further roster moves to build for the future.

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