Cody Bellinger Trade: Yankees Bolster Lineup, Cubs Add Pitching Depth
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The New York Yankees have made a significant offseason move by acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. In exchange, the Cubs will receive right-hander Cody Poteet along with $5 million heading to the Bronx as part of the deal, sources confirmed.
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Trade Overview
Cody Bellinger, 29, joins the Yankees as they look to bolster both their outfield and first base options. Bellinger brings a versatile skillset, with the ability to play center field and contribute significantly at the plate.
- Bellinger’s Contract Details:
- 2025: Owed $27.5 million (first of two player options).
- 2026: $25 million player option with a $5 million buyout split over two years.
In return, the Cubs receive Cody Poteet, a promising right-handed pitcher who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action for the Yankees’ Triple-A system last year.
Cody Bellinger’s Recent Performance
Bellinger had a solid 2024 season, batting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games. After recovering from a broken rib early in the season, he delivered down the stretch, driving in 33 runs in his final 39 games.
- Career Highlights:
- 2019 NL MVP: .305 AVG, 47 HR, 115 RBIs.
- 2020 World Series Champion (Los Angeles Dodgers).
- Career Stats: .259 AVG, 196 HR, 597 RBIs.
The Yankees are betting on Bellinger’s resurgence to provide additional offensive firepower and outfield depth as they pursue a return to postseason success.
What Cody Poteet Brings to the Cubs
Cody Poteet, 30, made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Marlins before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022. He showed promise in 2024, posting a 2.22 ERA across four starts and one relief appearance.
While injuries have hampered his career, Poteet has the potential to offer Chicago much-needed pitching depth heading into the 2025 season.
Impact of the Trade
For the Yankees
- Adds a proven hitter with defensive versatility.
- Enhances lineup protection for stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
- Financial flexibility remains intact with Chicago covering $5 million of Bellinger’s salary.
For the Cubs
- Gains a controllable arm in Poteet to strengthen their pitching depth.
- Clears significant payroll space ahead of future moves.
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