NEW YORK — On Tuesday, the New York Yankees made a significant move by trading for outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet.
As part of the transaction, Chicago is also sending the Yankees $5 million, adding further value to the trade.
Bellinger, who is 29 years old and has family ties to the Yankees through his father, Clay, who played a key role in the team’s World Series victories in 1999 and 2000, could step into the center field position next season.
This shift might occur as Aaron Judge transitions back to right field following the exit of Juan Soto to the Mets.
Moreover, Bellinger also has the versatility to play first base, a role that has now opened up with Anthony Rizzo hitting free agency.
In terms of financial details, Bellinger is set to receive $27.5 million in 2025, part of a three-year contract worth $80 million, which includes two player options.
He has a $25 million player option for the 2026 season that comes with a $5 million buyout, which is structured to be paid in two installments on January 15 in both 2026 and 2027.
During the 2023 season, Bellinger posted a batting average of .266, alongside 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games.
He spent some time on the injured list due to a broken right rib from April 24 to May 7 but managed to drive in 33 runs in his final 39 games.
Despite his contributions, the Cubs concluded their season with an 83-79 record.
Bellinger’s professional career began in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he spent his first six seasons.
Notably, he was named the National League MVP in 2019 with impressive stats of .305 batting average, 47 home runs, and 115 RBIs in 156 games.
He played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory in 2020 before being released by the team in November 2022.
Bellinger quickly signed a one-year deal worth $17.5 million with the Cubs, where he excelled last season, achieving a batting average of .307, 26 home runs, and 97 RBIs, while also stealing 20 bases.
Throughout his career, Bellinger has accumulated a .259 batting average, hitting 196 home runs and driving in 597 RBIs across 1,005 games.
He is set to turn 30 in July.
As for Poteet, who is 30 years old, he made his major league debut in 2021 with the Miami Marlins but faced challenges due to Tommy John surgery on August 17, 2022.
After a lengthy recovery, he returned to baseball with Kansas City’s Triple-A team on September 23, 2023, was released by the Royals, and subsequently signed with the Yankees in January.
In his time with the Yankees’ minor league affiliate, Poteet showcased his potential by going 3-0 with an impressive 2.22 ERA across four starts and one relief appearance, although he was sidelined from June 12 to September 25 due to a strained right triceps.