After a blockbuster trade that saw the Chicago Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker, they are right back at it with another trade.
This time though, Chicago is sending an outfielder rather than receiving one. The Cubs and Yankees have agreed on a trade to send Cody Bellinger and cash to New York. Right-hander Cody Poteet will go from New York to Chicago.
Chicago moving off Bellinger was expected after the trade to acquire Tucker from the Astros. Bellinger became the odd man out in a crowded outfield and was on a less than favorable contract, so it made sense for the Cubs to move him.
Bellinger rejuvenated his career in Chicago after a few rough post-MVP seasons with the Dodgers.
In two seasons with Chicago, Bellinger had batting averages of .307 and .266. He finished 10th in MVP voting in 2023 and won the Silver Slugger Award.
Importantly for New York, it has found its replacement for Juan Soto. While it is hard to replace a .288 average with 41 home runs, Bellinger now is the catalyst and has the responsibility of doing so.
For example, Bellinger’s 2023 season, when he hit .307 with 26 home runs. Those 26 homers will almost certainly turn into 32 or 33 with half his games being played in Yankee Stadium.
Another thing to note, Bellinger is expected to play centerfield for New York, meaning Aaron Judge can move back to his natural position in right field and Bellinger goes back full-time to a position that he won a Gold Glove for in 2019.
Poteet being the only player going from New York to Chicago in the trade may not seem like a lot, but the Yankees took on $47.5M of Bellinger’s remaining $52.5M that he is owed over the next two seasons.
Poteet has logged just 83 innings in three seasons in the MLB but has a solid career ERA of 3.80. The sense is that Poteet will be an arm out of the bullpen, as Chicago’s rotation is solidified.
The Yankees have made it known that losing Soto wasn’t the end of the world. General manager Brian Cashman and Co. have gotten a lot done since Soto signed with Mets.
Adding Bellinger, Max Fried and Devin Williams have been three excellent moves, and New York may not be done.
The Yankees still remain in on first baseman Christian Walker. An offseason haul with those four guys all in pinstripes next season would certainly make the Yankees the favorites to represent the AL in the World Series again in 2025.
