The NY Yankees swung a much-needed off-season trade with the Chicago Cubs for 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger. They are betting on this trade to bounce back from the departure of Juna Soto and Alex Verdugo. The Cubs also added $5 million to the Yankees to receive right-handed reliever Cody Poteet in return.
One fan expressed excitement about the player’s potential, saying, “Hoping he smashes 45 home runs over that low right field wall,” highlighting anticipation for his power-hitting abilities. One long-time Yankee supporter tweeted: ‘Since Soto left, the Yankees now have a better-starting rotation, bullpen, defense, and base running. They’re faster and more athletic!’ The official Yankees Blue page also posted on X, ‘Lefty bat. Can play center (once won a GG there). Seems a good move.’
Cody Bellinger’s NY Yankees Trade Details
For the Yankees, the Cody-Cody trade was a calculated move, sending right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to the Cubs and receiving $5 million to help offset Bellinger’s impressive salary. This trade was necessary as the Yankees were struggling with the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets. The trade offers more than just a player swap – it provides tactical flexibility, as Bellinger has shown compelling performance in both outfield and first base, addressing multiple strategic needs that the Yankees were lacking.
Some Juicy Aspects of Bellinger’s New NY Yankees Contract
- High Base Salary: Cody Bellinger’s new contract with the NY Yankees makes him one of the highest-paid baseballers. He will receive a hefty $27.5 million salary in 2025, $2.5 million of which will be covered by the Chicago Cubs.
- Player Option Flexibility: Bellinger’s got some wiggle room with its $25 million player option for 2026. If he decides to pass on it and explore free agency options, he still walks away with a $5 million payout. The payout will be partly covered by the Chicago Cubs. It’s a setup that lets him see how much he’s worth after the 2025 season before making a call.
- Chicago Cubs’ Financial Involvement: The Cubs made the trade more appealing for the NY Yankees by throwing in $5 million to cover part of Bellinger’s salary. This move did ease the financial load for the Yankees but also reflects Cub’s acknowledgment of Bellinger’s diminishing returns in 2024 compared to his peak performance of 2019.
- Performance-Based Decision: Bellinger’s future rides on how he performs in 2025. If he plays like an MVP again, he’ll probably test free agency for a big, long-term deal. But if his performance remains underwhelming, he can always stick with the Yankees for the guaranteed salary of $25 million.
What Are Yankees Expecting from This Trade?
Cody Bellinger has been struggling since his MVP performance in 2019. He did make a minor comeback in 2023 but saw a major dip in 2024. This dip resulted in him remaining under contract rather than opting for free agency.
The Yankees are betting on Bellinger’s capacity to rediscover his peak form of 2019. His ability to play both first base and outfield helps fill the gap in the Yankees’ roster created by Juan Soto’s departure. His versatility allows manager Aaron Boone multiple strategic lineup configurations, transforming Bellinger from a simple player acquisition into a potential game changer for the team.
Future Implications for NY Yankees
The Cody Bellinger trade accompanies other significant offseason moves, including the signing of pitcher Max Fried and closer Devin Williams. For Cody Bellinger, this trade can prove a chance to reestablish himself among baseball’s elite after struggling with performance since 2019. The Yankees are also betting on his potential for a comeback, offering him a prestigious platform to shine.