The New York Yankees are one of the top teams in baseball with a 54-33 record, just one game behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, they are expected to bolster their lineup by acquiring a new bat. According to Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs is a potential target for the Yankees.
Rymer suggested the following trade to bring Bellinger to New York:
– **Yankees receive:** Centerfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger
– **Cubs receive:** Catcher Agustin Ramirez
Ramirez, 22, is the No. 20 prospect in the Yankees’ farm system and was recently promoted to Triple-A. In 58 games at the Double-A level this season, he posted a .942 OPS.
Yankees’ Interest in Cody Bellinger
The Yankees and Cody Bellinger, 28, were involved in trade rumors last season, as reported by The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Patrick Mooney. Additionally, Levi Weaver of The Athletic noted that Bellinger has “drawn interest” from the Yankees in a July 2 story about trade deadline news.
Bellinger could address both current and potential season-long needs for the Yankees. With Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, Aaron Judge has shifted to right field, leaving Trent Grisham in centerfield. Bellinger would be an immediate upgrade over Grisham in centerfield.
However, Rymer mentioned that the need in centerfield might be temporary. Once Stanton returns, Judge can move back to centerfield.
“First base is more of a question mark, though. Anthony Rizzo won’t be out forever with a fractured forearm, but the Yankees shouldn’t be content to wait for him,” wrote Rymer. “All told, his last 116 games have yielded a .577 OPS.”
Ben Rice has been covering first base in Rizzo’s absence. The 25-year-old has played only 13 games in the majors and is currently hitting .270. However, as with many rookies, he may face a regression as teams adjust to him.
“Besides, New York just plain needs another reliable hitter. Even when Stanton was in the lineup alongside Judge and Juan Soto, his 18 home runs only came with a .302 OBP,” Rymer added.
The Cubs, meanwhile, are eight games below .500 and 12 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. Despite their position, they might not be looking to sell big at the trade deadline.
“The Cubs were not designed to sell at the trade deadline. Their front office has been making moves around the edges of the roster, trying to incrementally improve a team that has 19 one-run losses, the most in the majors. But rivals have to be prepared just in case things get even worse and the Cubs change direction,” wrote The Athletic’s staff.
Cody Bellinger’s Contract
Cody Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before the season. He previously won the National League MVP award in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After three down seasons, he signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in 2023, and his resurgence earned him his current contract.
This season, Bellinger is slashing .267/.327/.416 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs as of July 2. Bellinger would certainly be an upgrade for the Yankees at first base, where he has made 267 career starts.
However, Bellinger’s contract makes him a tricky trade target. With opt-outs following 2024 and 2025, he could either be a short-term rental or a significant financial commitment through 2026.
“The Yankees are already staring down an estimated $61.5 million luxury-tax penalty. Not a deal-breaker, perhaps, but one is inclined to assume they’ll look for more affordable upgrades,” wrote Rymer.
Additionally, the Yankees have a decision looming regarding Juan Soto’s contract. They may be hesitant to financially commit to Bellinger if it means jeopardizing their ability to afford Soto.
