In a transfer that had been rumored for weeks, the Yankees made their first vital offensive addition of the winter on Tuesday, buying outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Cubs and money concerns in change for right-hander Cody Poteet.
Based on a supply, the Yankees are receiving $5 million to offset Bellinger’s remaining contract, which has two years and $52.5 million remaining. That features a $25 million possibility for 2026 that may be purchased out for $5 million.
TRADE DETAILSYankees obtain: OF/1B Cody Bellinger, $5 millionCubs obtain: RHP Cody Poteet
The 2019 Nationwide League MVP with the Dodgers, Bellinger has been on the Bombers’ radar for years, however their efforts to amass the 29-year-old intensified following Juan Soto’s choice to cross borough traces and be a part of the Mets forward of the latest Winter Conferences.
A two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and one-time Gold Glove Award recipient (2019), Bellinger is prone to take over in heart area, which might enable Aaron Choose to return to proper area after enjoying most of this previous yr in heart to accommodate Soto.
It’s doable that Bellinger may additionally see time in left area or at first base, which might provide prime prospect Jasson Domínguez a chance for taking part in time in heart area.
From an offensive standpoint, the left-handed Bellinger initiatives as a robust match, particularly enjoying half of his video games in Yankee Stadium. Final season with the Cubs, Bellinger slashed .266/.325/.426 (111 OPS+), producing 23 doubles, 18 homers and 78 RBIs in 130 video games.
Over his eight-year profession with the Dodgers (2017-22) and Cubs (’23-24), Bellinger has compiled a .259/.334/.484 slash line (120 OPS+), with 186 doubles, 196 homers and 597 RBIs.
Poteet, 30, was 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 5 video games (4 begins) for the Yankees this previous season. Over components of three Main League seasons with the Marlins (2021-22) and Yankees (’24), Poteet has posted a 3.80 ERA in 24 profession video games.
After all, Bellinger carries one thing of a Yankees pedigree: his father, Clay, was a utilityman on the dynasty-era golf equipment of the late Nineteen Nineties, profitable two World Collection rings.
Now, lastly, the youthful Bellinger may have his likelihood to strive on the pinstripes. They’ll turn into the fourth father-son duo to play for the Yankees, becoming a member of Mark Leiter and Mark Leiter Jr., Ron and Ike Davis, and Yogi and Dale Berra.
