The outcome of the Juan Soto sweepstakes will significantly impact the New York Yankees’ offseason plans, but regardless of what happens with Soto, general manager Brian Cashman will need to find a new first baseman.
Could Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger be a potential trade target? Bellinger, currently in the second year of a three-year, $80 million contract, had the option to opt out of his deal this offseason but chose not to.
The 2019 National League MVP is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025, and rumors suggest the Cubs are open to trading him. Bellinger’s skill set has long been seen as a good fit for the Yankees, and that still holds true.
If the Yankees re-sign Soto, Bellinger could become the primary first baseman. However, if Soto goes elsewhere, Bellinger could step into the center field role, with Aaron Judge moving to right field.
A potential trade between the Yankees and Cubs could look like this:
Yankees receive: Outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger
Cubs receive: Right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, left-handed pitcher Brock Selvidge, and right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling
Stroman, who previously pitched for the Cubs in 2022-23 before joining the Yankees in 2024, posted a 4.31 ERA over 154 2/3 innings for New York, though he didn’t pitch in the postseason.
Selvidge (seventh) and Vrieling (28th) are among the Yankees’ top 30 prospects, according to MLB.com. This hypothetical trade could bring Bellinger to the Bronx in exchange for some key pitching talent and prospects.
