The Yankees take a significant step in rebuilding their offense by acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, following Juan Soto’s departure.
Chicago: It was bound to happen. Cody Bellinger decided to stick with his $27.5 million player option for 2025, which made it clear his time in Chicago was running out.
His choice wasn’t shocking, especially after a less-than-stellar 2024 season. He didn’t quite match the star level he had in 2023, so going free agent didn’t seem like a smart move.
But this decision complicated things for the Cubs. With young talents like Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong stepping up, Bellinger’s role was looking shaky. Plus, Seiya Suzuki wanted to play more in right field, which squeezed Bellinger even more.
What really mattered was the Cubs wanting to shed Bellinger’s big salary to improve their roster. They made that clear when they traded for Kyle Tucker, leaving Bellinger without a spot.
Then came the Yankees. It felt like a trade was inevitable, and New York was the perfect fit. They snagged Bellinger in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet and $5 million to help with Bellinger’s contract. The Yankees are now on the hook for most of his salary, which was clearly the Cubs’ goal.
New York had shown interest in Bellinger last offseason but went for Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo instead. That move took them out of the running for Bellinger, who ended up back with the Cubs on a big deal.
Fast forward a year, and Bellinger was back on the Yankees’ radar, especially after Soto left for the Mets. The Yankees had focused on pitching, signing Max Fried and trading for Devin Williams, but they needed to rebuild their offense.
Replacing Soto was crucial, but they also had other gaps to fill. With several key players hitting free agency, Bellinger’s addition is a solid start.
His experience at first base and center field makes him a valuable asset. Reports say he’ll likely be the primary center fielder, while the Yankees still look for a first baseman.
Bellinger’s past stardom makes him a recognizable name, but he doesn’t guarantee elite production like Fried or Williams. His hitting style has changed, focusing more on contact than power, which might not lead to a home run surge.
He’s a solid player now, but expecting him to replace Soto is a stretch. The Yankees still have work to do to become true contenders. First base is a priority, but there’s plenty of offseason left, and Bellinger gives them options.
What’s impressive is that the Yankees didn’t have to give up any top prospects for Bellinger. They’re showing they can spend big, which is a smart move.
On the flip side, the Cubs were clearly looking to offload Bellinger’s salary. Poteet has potential, but this trade was mainly about freeing up cash. For a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017, the question is: what’s next?
Teams like the Cubs should only make moves like this if it leads to better roster improvements. Tucker is a great addition, but after a few mediocre seasons, they need to keep pushing forward. If shedding Bellinger’s salary opens the door for more impactful signings, that’s a win. Until then, it’s just a salary dump.
Both teams need to see this trade as just one piece of a larger puzzle. It’s not the cornerstone of their offseason plans, but it’s a step in the right direction.