The Cody Bellinger trade details have captured attention across the MLB. This blockbuster deal sends the former MVP to the New York Yankees while the Chicago Cubs secure salary relief and pitching depth.
With the Yankees addressing key roster gaps and the Cubs optimizing their payroll, this move sparks plenty of discussion.
Let’s dive into why the Yankees made this trade and what it means for both teams moving forward.
Cody Bellinger Trade Details: Everything You Need to Know
The trade involved the New York Yankees acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs also contributed $5 million toward his remaining contract. In exchange, the Cubs received Cody Poteet, a right-handed pitcher with depth potential.
Financially, the Yankees now shoulder $27.5 million of Bellinger’s 2025 salary while remaining liable for $22.5 million in 2026, depending on his performance and opt-out decisions.
This move fills critical outfield gaps for the Yankees, left vacant after Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo departed.
Why Did the Yankees Trade for Cody Bellinger?
The Yankees pursued Cody Bellinger to solve roster deficiencies caused by offseason losses.
As a player with experience at both center field and first base, Bellinger provides much-needed versatility. This flexibility is crucial, given Aaron Judge is transitioning back to right field.
From a financial perspective, the Yankees prioritized a manageable risk.
Although they now owe $27.5 million for 2025, acquiring Bellinger was more affordable than pursuing high-cost free agents like Anthony Santander or Teoscar Hernández.
Finally, this trade aligns with the Yankees’ luxury tax strategy.
While nearing the $301 million tax threshold, the team’s approach is calculated. They aim to balance competitive spending with avoiding excessive penalties.
Why Did the Cubs Decide to Trade Cody Bellinger?
For the Cubs, this trade was motivated by a combination of performance decline and roster challenges.
After a stellar 2023 season where Bellinger posted a .307 batting average with 4.4 WAR, his 2024 performance dipped to a .266 average and 2.2 WAR.
Additionally, the emergence of young talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field made Bellinger expendable.
The Cubs’ acquisition of Kyle Tucker and the rise of Michael Busch at first base also contributed to the decision.
By trading Bellinger, the Cubs cleared salary space while gaining pitching depth in Cody Poteet.
Cody Bellinger’s Contract Breakdown and Financial Details
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with opt-outs after each season. The Yankees are responsible for $27.5 million in 2025 and potentially $22.5 million in 2026 if he doesn’t opt out.
The Cubs’ financial contribution of $5 million eases the Yankees’ burden, divided into $2.5 million for 2025 and $2.5 million for 2026.
Opting out remains a pivotal choice for Bellinger, as strong performance in 2025 could see him re-enter free agency for a higher-value deal.
Curious to learn more about how much Cody Bellinger earns? His contract highlights the ongoing financial dynamics of elite MLB players.
Cody Bellinger’s Performance Metrics: A Deep Dive
In 2023, Bellinger demonstrated MVP-like form:
- .307 batting average
- 26 home runs
- 20 stolen bases
However, in 2024, his production regressed to:
- .266 batting average
- 19 home runs
- 9 stolen bases
Defensively, metrics reveal mixed results. His center field performance has been graded as league-average in recent years, though Outs Above Average (OAA) rates him more favorably.
With over 4,000 innings in center field, Bellinger remains a viable option for the Yankees.
What Are the Risks and Rewards for the Yankees in This Trade?
The Yankees face both potential rewards and risks with this deal:
Rewards:
- If Bellinger performs well, he could trigger his opt-out clause, leaving the Yankees with a high-value, short-term acquisition.
- Bellinger offers flexibility to fill gaps at center field or first base.
Risks:
- Poor performance or injury could leave the Yankees responsible for $22.5 million in 2026.
- With the Yankees already near the luxury tax cap, any underperformance will weigh heavily on their finances.
How Does This Trade Impact the Yankees’ Roster Plans?
This trade reshapes the Yankees’ lineup. Aaron Judge returns to right field, reducing long-term wear and tear.
Meanwhile, Jasson Domínguez will compete for left field, alongside Everson Pereira and Spencer Jones.
Bellinger is slated as the primary center fielder, but his versatility offers the Yankees flexibility.
If future acquisitions, such as Josh Naylor or Pete Alonso, are secured, Bellinger could transition to first base.
How Does This Trade Affect the Cubs’ Roster and Payroll?
The Cubs now have approximately $50 million in payroll space, staying well below the luxury tax threshold.
This financial relief provides flexibility for future acquisitions, particularly in the bullpen.
The addition of Cody Poteet provides rotational depth.
While Poteet is recovering from Tommy John surgery, his 83 MLB innings and minor-league potential make him a valuable asset for Triple-A support.
What’s Next for Cody Bellinger?
Bellinger enters the 2025 season with an opportunity to prove himself. A strong year could trigger his opt-out, allowing him to capitalize on a more lucrative free agency deal.
If his performance falters, the Yankees will absorb the financial burden through 2026.
This high-risk, high-reward scenario will determine whether Bellinger returns to his MVP-caliber form or continues a streaky career trajectory.
Conclusion
The Cody Bellinger trade details highlight the complex motivations and risks for both the Yankees and Cubs.
With financial and roster implications, this deal sets the stage for an intriguing 2025 season.
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