Cody Bellinger traded to New York Yankees from Chicago Cubs | Breaking News

 

The New York Yankees have found their potential replacement for Juan Soto, or at least someone to fill his spot on the field. On Tuesday, the team announced a trade with the Chicago Cubs for 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger, banking on the talented outfielder to rebound after some challenging seasons.

As part of the deal, the Cubs are sending $5 million to the Yankees, who will give up right-handed reliever Cody Poteet in return. The financial terms include $2.5 million to offset Bellinger’s $27.5 million salary for 2025 and another $2.5 million toward his 2026 salary or buyout, should he decline his player option.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Bellinger has been informed he will play center field for the Yankees, moving Aaron Judge back to his primary position in right field after covering center throughout 2024.

Interestingly, this trade adds a personal connection: Bellinger’s father, Clay, was a part of the Yankees organization from 1999 to 2001. Additionally, Bellinger will now share a clubhouse with Giancarlo Stanton, who once dated his current partner, Chase Carter, and is the mother of Bellinger’s two children.

The Yankees needed to fill a significant void after Soto signed a record-breaking deal with the New York Mets, leaving them in search of a powerful corner outfielder for the heart of their lineup. Bellinger’s availability stemmed from his contract with the Cubs, which includes player options for 2025 and 2026, totaling $52.5 million.

This move ends Bellinger’s two-year stint with the Cubs, during which his future became uncertain after the team acquired Houston Astros star Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster trade. Now, Bellinger heads to New York, aiming to restore his star status with a fresh start.