As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees’ roster needs are becoming more apparent. One of their significant problem areas is first base. General manager Brian Cashman may consider targeting outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs.
Sports Illustrated’s Evan Massey suggests this could be a move worth exploring. He stated, “Anthony Rizzo is out due to injury, but even before his injury, there were rumblings that the Yankees might want an upgrade. That led to quite a few players being speculated as potential targets. Among those players mentioned were Paul Goldschmidt, Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and more. Now, a new name should be of interest.
“With the Chicago Cubs continuing to struggle of late, New York should think about pursuing a trade for star first baseman Cody Bellinger.”
As of June 27, the Cubs have lost four straight games and are last in the National League Central with a 37-44 record, putting them 11 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and five games out of the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Yankees have their own struggles, having lost three straight games and eight of their last 10. Despite this, New York still holds a 52-30 record and maintains a one-game lead in the American League East over the Baltimore Orioles, making them better positioned to buy than Chicago.
Bellinger Would Be a Huge Upgrade for New York
Although Cody Bellinger’s 2024 production hasn’t matched his resurgent 2023 campaign, adding him would still be a significant boost to the Yankees’ lineup.
Last year, the left-handed slugger slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 95 runs scored, and 20 steals for the Chicago Cubs. He re-signed with the Cubs over the winter for three years and $80 million. However, the current season, in which he’s earning $30 million, is the only guaranteed year. Bellinger has opt-outs after 2024 and 2025 if he wants to test free agency again.
If the Cubs consider trading Bellinger, interested teams would likely see him as a half-season rental. Despite this, he would be a valuable addition to many lineups. Bellinger is currently hitting .273/.333/.432 with nine homers, 34 RBI, and 32 runs scored through 291 plate appearances this season.
The Yankees will be without Anthony Rizzo for about two months due to a fractured forearm. Rizzo’s status as the starting first baseman was already in question due to his early-season struggles, hitting just .223/.289/.341 through 291 plate appearances before landing on the injured list.
Bellinger & the Yankees Have Been Linked Together in the Past
The idea of Cody Bellinger joining the Yankees isn’t new. During his resurgent 2023 campaign, while playing on a one-year, $17.5 million deal, Chicago initially anticipated selling at the trade deadline, with Bellinger being a prime candidate to be moved. However, a hot streak in July led the Cubs’ front office to hold onto all potential trade candidates.
Before that decision, rumors circulated about Bellinger’s fit with the Yankees, continuing into the winter when he reached free agency. On November 7, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Bellinger was at the top of the Yankees’ wish list to bolster their outfield.
That possibility faded after New York traded for Juan Soto at the beginning of December. However, with the Yankees seeking more offense and Chicago falling out of contention, these rumors are likely to resurface. Instead of slotting him into the outfield, Bellinger would likely upgrade the underperforming right side of New York’s infield.
1 thought on “Breaking news : “$30 Million Outfielder Signs Contract with Yankees as Anthony Rizzo’s Replacement””