Cubs Send Cody Bellinger and Cash to Yankees for Cody Poteet
In a noteworthy trade, the Chicago Cubs have dealt outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees. The move comes as the Yankees look to reconfigure their roster following the loss of Juan Soto to the Mets in free agency.
Along with Bellinger, the Cubs are sending cash considerations to New York. In return, the Yankees are sending right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to Chicago. Both teams are expected to gain from this deal, addressing different areas of need in their respective lineups.
Fiscally Trade Aspects
The Cubs will contribute $5 million to cover part of Cody Bellinger’s salary as part of the trade. For the 2025 season, Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million, with a $25 million player option for 2026.
Of the $27.5 million salary for 2025, the Cubs will pay $2.5 million this year. The remaining $2.5 million of their contribution will either go toward a buyout if Bellinger opts out of his 2026 player option or be applied to his $25 million salary should he choose to stay for the 2026 season.
Cody Bellinger’s Performance and Returns
Cubs Trade Cody Bellinger and Cash to Yankees for Cody Poteet
In a significant trade, the Chicago Cubs have sent outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees. The move aims to help the Yankees reconfigure their roster following the departure of Juan Soto, who signed with the Mets in free agency.
As part of the deal, the Cubs are also sending cash along with Bellinger. In return, the Yankees are sending right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to the Cubs. Both teams stand to benefit from the trade, addressing key needs in their respective lineups.
Financial Details of the Trade
The Cubs will cover $5 million of Bellinger’s salary as part of the transaction. For the 2025 season, Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million, with a $25 million player option for 2026.
Of his 2025 salary, the Cubs will contribute $2.5 million this year. The remaining $2.5 million will either go toward a buyout if Bellinger declines his player option for 2026 or be applied to his $25 million salary should he choose to stay.
Cody Bellinger’s Performance and Legacy
Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, is a 29-year-old star with a legacy tied to the Yankees through his father, Clay Bellinger, who played for the team from 1999 to 2001.
After struggling for several seasons, Bellinger enjoyed a resurgence in 2023 with the Cubs, hitting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. This strong performance led to his signing a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs in March.
The Yankees secured Cody Bellinger at a pivotal moment, shortly after signing free-agent pitcher Max Fried and trading for All-Star closer Devin Williams. Despite these moves, the team’s World Series bid ultimately fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nevertheless, the Yankees are strategically building a stronger roster, aiming for a renewed and more successful championship run next season.
Cody Bellinger brings valuable versatility to the Yankees’ lineup. Primarily excelling in center field, he can also shift to left field if the team decides to play rookie Jasson Dominguez in center. Additionally, Bellinger is recognized as a highly skilled defensive first baseman, providing the Yankees with flexibility as Anthony Rizzo enters free agency. This opens up several options for the team, including utilizing Ben Rice or pursuing other first basemen like Pete Alonso or Christian Walker.
Bellinger’s Role in Strengthening the Yankees Lineup
Bellinger adds significant power to the heart of the Yankees’ batting order, combining exceptional strength with impressive bat-to-ball skills at his peak. His standout abilities were on full display during his MVP season in 2019, when he batted .305 with 47 home runs. Over his career, Bellinger has maintained a .259 batting average with 196 home runs and 597 RBIs. In 1,005 games, he has accumulated 4,026 plate appearances, showcasing his consistency and impact at the plate.
Cody Poteet: Performance and Role
Cody Poteet is a right-handed pitcher who brings depth and versatility to the Cubs’ pitching staff. Known for his control and ability to keep hitters off balance, Poteet has demonstrated potential as both a starter and a reliever.
In his career, Poteet has posted a respectable ERA and shown flashes of brilliance, making him a valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation or bullpen. His role will likely be determined by the team’s needs, but his flexibility and skill set position him as a key piece in the Cubs’ plans moving forward.
Why the Cubs Traded Cody Bellinger
The decision to trade Cody Bellinger reflects the Cubs’ strategic focus on balancing their roster and planning for the future. While Bellinger had a strong 2023 season and brought veteran leadership to the team, the trade allowed the Cubs to address other priorities.
By acquiring pitcher Cody Poteet and shedding a portion of Bellinger’s salary, the Cubs created financial flexibility and bolstered their pitching depth. This move aligns with their long-term goals of developing young talent and maintaining a balanced roster. Additionally, with Bellinger’s high market value and his contract terms, the Cubs saw an opportunity to maximize his return while addressing their broader team needs.