The New York Yankees have reached an agreement to acquire outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. This trade, reported by an anonymous source, involves right-hander Cody Poteet heading to Chicago, along with a cash payment of $5 million from the Cubs to the Yankees.
Cody Bellinger, 29, comes from a baseball family; his father, Clay, played a role in helping the Yankees secure World Series championships in 1999 and 2000. Currently, Bellinger is under contract for $27.5 million in 2025 following an $80 million, three-year deal. Additionally, he holds a $25 million player option for 2026, which includes a $5 million buyout.
In the recent season, Bellinger posted a .266 batting average, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 78 runs over 130 games. He faced a brief setback due to a broken rib but bounced back to contribute significantly in the latter part of the season. Unfortunately, the Cubs finished with a record of 83-79.
Bellinger made his major league debut back in 2017 and initially played for the Los Angeles Dodgers for six seasons. He had an impressive 2019 season, winning the National League MVP award and helping the Dodgers clinch the World Series title in 2020. In 2022, he was released by the Dodgers and subsequently signed with the Cubs for one year.
On the other side of the trade, Cody Poteet, 30, made his debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021 and has faced his share of challenges, including Tommy John surgery. Despite these hurdles, Poteet recently showcased his skills in the minor leagues and is now looking to make an impact with the Yankees.
This trade could be a significant move for the Yankees as they bolster their roster with a player who has proven potential and a track record of success in Major League Baseball.
