After weeks of speculation, the New York Yankees have officially acquired former National League MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, along with $5 million in cash considerations, in exchange for Cody Poteet. This marks the Yankees’ first major position player acquisition since losing Juan Soto, filling multiple roster needs with a versatile left-handed hitter and skilled defender. Bellinger can cover center field, left field, and first base, all areas the Yankees are looking to improve.
Though he’s several years removed from his dominant 2019 MVP season, Bellinger has showcased resilience and adaptability. After signing a one-year deal with the Cubs in 2022 and earning NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2023, he secured a three-year, $80 million deal with opt-outs after each season. While his 2024 numbers weren’t extraordinary—he slashed .266/.325/.426 with a .751 OPS and 111 OPS+—Bellinger’s skill set aligns well with Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions. His 35% fly-ball rate and left-handed swing could see an uptick in home runs in the Bronx; Statcast projects that Bellinger’s 18 homers in Chicago last season would translate to 24 at Yankee Stadium.
Bellinger’s defensive versatility is another key asset. Splitting time between center field, right field, and first base last season, he provided solid defensive metrics, including 0 Outs Above Average (OAA) and a 1 Fielding Runs Value (FRV) in center. The Yankees plan to primarily use him in center field, allowing Aaron Judge to return to right field, where he can preserve his health and defensive effectiveness. With a strong arm and above-average speed, Bellinger is well-equipped to handle center field duties.
For the Cubs, the trade made sense given their roster depth. Rising star Pete Crow-Armstrong has taken over center field, while the corners are occupied by Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, and Kyle Tucker. Cody Poteet, while a solid contributor for the Yankees, is a fair price to pay for acquiring Bellinger.
This move addresses several Yankees’ needs, from defensive flexibility to left-handed power, at a relatively low cost. While Bellinger’s contract includes significant financial commitments, the upside he brings to the Bronx—both offensively and defensively—makes this a smart acquisition for the Yankees as they aim to remain competitive.
