The New York Yankees continue their busy offseason with the addition of outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan. In exchange, the Yankees sent right-handed reliever Cody Poteet and cash considerations to Chicago. Bellinger, who signed a three-year, $80 million extension with the Cubs in 2022, played two seasons in Chicago. However, his departure seemed inevitable after the Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason.
In 2024, Bellinger posted 72 runs, 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and a .266/.325/.426/.751 slash line. His career highlights include winning the 2019 National League MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a season in which he led the league with 351 total bases and recorded 121 runs, 47 home runs, 115 RBIs, and 15 steals.
This move follows the Yankees’ unsuccessful bid for Juan Soto, who signed a massive 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets earlier this month. Undeterred, the Yankees have bolstered their roster with key acquisitions, including right-handed pitcher Devin Williams from the Brewers and lefty Max Fried. Williams, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, logged 14 saves in 2024 despite missing time with back injuries. Fried, a two-time All-Star, recorded an 11-10 record, 3.25 ERA, and 1.164 WHIP over 174.1 innings last season.
These moves aim to strengthen the Yankees’ lineup after their World Series loss to the Dodgers.
Leave a Reply