Yankees acquire 1B/OF Cody Bellinger in trade with Cubs: reports

NEW YORK — Plan B is officially taking shape.

In the fallout of Juan Soto walking across town, the Yankees have acquired first baseman and outfielder Cody Bellinger in a deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple reports. Chicago is also sending $5 million to the Yanks in the deal.

The Bombers sent pitcher Cody Poteet in exchange for the two-time All-Star.

Bellinger, a left-handed hitter, slashed .266/.325/.426 with 18 homers and 78 RBI last season in Chicago. The 2019 NL MVP earned a two-year, $52 million contract after posting an .881 OPS in 2023. However, the 29-year-old became expendable when the Cubs acquired All-Star Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros — and after a slightly down season — leading to essentially salary dumping him on the Yanks.

But the Yankees welcomed it with open arms as Bellinger could fill two potential holes for the Yanks at first base and left or center field — though he’s much more likely to play in the outfield. Bellinger figures to slot into the top or middle of the Bombers’ order perhaps searching for the same boost Soto received hitting in front of two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge.

Bellinger’s stat line from 2023 is certainly underwhelming to the eye considering he may be hitting where Soto did — and his underlying metrics don’t paint a pretty picture either. However, the outfielder was significantly better on the road in 2024 than he was at home posting a .797 away from Wrigley Field which is one of the least hitter-friendly environments in baseball.

Acquiring the veteran accomplishes two goals the Yankees set out for themselves after missing out on Soto — get better defensively and more athletic.

The Gold Glove center fielder has long been rumored to be a target of the Yankees and brings some ties to the Bronx with him. His father, Clay, played for the Bombers from 1999-2001.

The Yankees just scratched another big item off of their holiday shopping list bringing Bellinger into the fold with dominant closer Devin Williams and elite southpaw Max Fried.

Brian Cashman is continuing to shift the identity from the Soto-Judge Bombers that led them to the Fall Classic in 2024. The remaining big items are first base and second or third base — especially after the Bombers shipped out potential second base option Caleb Durbin to the Brewers for Williams.

Christian Walker, Carlos Santana and Pete Alonso are the top first baseman available on the free agent market while Astros star Alex Bregman remains the top option for the hot corner.

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