It was inevitable.
From the moment Cody Bellinger decided to exercise his $27.5 million player option for the 2025 season instead of testing free agency, it became apparent that his time in Chicago was limited.
Bellinger’s choice to stay with the Cubs wasn’t surprising, given his underwhelming performance in 2024. He failed to match the star-level production he delivered in his debut season with the team in 2023, raising doubts about his earning potential in the open market if he opted out.
However, Bellinger’s decision posed challenges for Chicago’s offseason plans to enhance the roster. With emerging talents like Michael Busch at first base and Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field, the Cubs seemed to have solid foundational pieces at Bellinger’s positions. And with Seiya Suzuki preferring to play right field rather than being limited to DH duties, Bellinger’s role on the team was uncertain.
More crucial than Suzuki’s outfield preference was Chicago’s goal to shed Bellinger’s hefty salary and upgrade the team through other means. This intention became evident when the Cubs acquired star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros, pushing Suzuki to DH and leaving Bellinger without a clear spot on the roster.
Enter the New York Yankees. It was always likely that Bellinger would be traded by the Cubs this offseason, and the Yankees emerged as the most suitable destination. Bellinger is now a Yankee, with New York acquiring him from Chicago in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. Chicago also sent $5 million to New York to cover the rest of Bellinger’s contract. The majority of Bellinger’s salary, including a potential $25 million option for 2026, will now be the Yankees’ responsibility.
New York had shown interest in Bellinger the previous offseason but opted to address outfield needs by acquiring Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo via trade. With Soto leaving for the Mets, Bellinger became a target for the Yankees, especially after they bolstered their pitching staff with Max Fried and Devin Williams.
Bellinger’s experience at first base and center field made him a logical choice to improve New York’s defense. He is expected to be the primary center fielder, with the Yankees still looking to address first base externally.
While Bellinger’s star power and history with top franchises make him recognizable, his recent offensive performance doesn’t guarantee elite production. His shift to a high-contact approach in Chicago led to mixed results in 2024, indicating that he may not replicate his early power numbers. However, Yankee Stadium’s dimensions could benefit his power output.
Although Bellinger adds depth to the Yankees lineup, he is not a direct replacement for Soto. New York still needs to address other positions left vacant by free agents like Verdugo, Torres, and Rizzo.
The Yankees’ acquisition of Bellinger without giving up top prospects demonstrates their financial strength. On the other hand, the Cubs’ focus on offloading salary raises questions about their future moves to improve the roster.
Both teams must view this trade as part of a larger strategy to enhance their rosters, rather than a standalone transaction.