Cody Bellinger moves from the Cubs to the Yankees, raising fantasy expectations and concerns for the former MVP in 2025
New York: So, the Yankees just snagged Cody Bellinger from the Cubs. It’s a big deal, especially since he’s a former MVP. The Cubs were looking to trade him for a while, and now it’s official.
Bellinger, who’s 29, has two years left on his contract. He’s got an opt-out after 2025, so there’s a lot to think about. The Yankees are making moves after losing Juan Soto, and this trade fits right in.
In exchange, the Cubs are getting $5 million and reliever Cody Poteet. It’s a salary dump for Chicago, but it could be a win for the Yankees if Bellinger finds his groove again.
Now, let’s talk about Bellinger’s past. He was a superstar with the Dodgers, winning Rookie of the Year in 2017 and MVP in 2019. But he had some rough years after that, especially in 2021 and 2022, where he struggled big time at the plate.
Last season, he bounced back a bit, hitting .307 with 26 homers and 20 stolen bases. He’s shown he can still play, but can he keep it up? That’s the million-dollar question.
His swing is pretty, and he makes contact well, but he’s had issues with weak hits. He’s not the same player he was during his peak, but he’s still got potential. The Yankees need him in the outfield, especially after some recent changes.
With Bellinger in the lineup, the Yankees can shift Aaron Judge back to right field, which is a better fit for him. Bellinger can also play first base if needed, giving the team some flexibility.
As for fantasy baseball, Bellinger’s stock is looking up. He might not be the superstar he once was, but he could still hit around .260 with 25-30 homers. He’s a solid option for your fantasy team, especially since he’s eligible at first base.
In the end, it’s a low-risk move for the Yankees with some potential upside. If Bellinger can find his rhythm, he could be a valuable player for them in 2025.