Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, has joined the New York Yankees in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.
The Yankees acquired Bellinger, 29, along with $5 million in cash considerations, sending right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to Chicago in exchange.
Bellinger is expected to earn $27.5 million in 2025, with a player option for $25 million in 2026.
Bellinger’s arrival addresses the Yankees’ need for a left-handed power hitter following Juan Soto’s departure to the New York Mets.
His versatility in the outfield and at first base provides manager Aaron Boone with strategic lineup options.
Bellinger’s father, Clay, also played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001, making this acquisition a return to family roots.
Since the trade, Bellinger has been sidelined due to a back issue that flared up during a game on Thursday.
He missed his second consecutive game on Saturday but expressed optimism about a quick return, attributing the discomfort to a minor misalignment that typically resolves within a few days.
Bellinger reported improvement and hoped to be available off the bench, aiming to rejoin the starting lineup by Sunday.
The Yankees have started the season with a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, securing wins in the first two games. Bellinger’s absence has opened opportunities for other players, with Oswald Peraza filling in at third base.
The team aims to clinch the series win, with Marcus Stroman taking the mound for the third game.
Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, has joined the New York Yankees in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees acquired Bellinger, 29, along with $5 million in cash considerations, sending right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to Chicago in exchange. Bellinger is expected to earn $27.5 million in 2025, with a player option for $25 million in 2026.
Bellinger’s arrival addresses the Yankees’ need for a left-handed power hitter following Juan Soto’s departure to the New York Mets. His versatility in the outfield and at first base provides manager Aaron Boone with strategic lineup options. Bellinger’s father, Clay, also played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001, making this acquisition a return to family roots.
Since the trade, Bellinger has been sidelined due to a back issue that flared up during a game on Thursday. He missed his second consecutive game on Saturday but expressed optimism about a quick return, attributing the discomfort to a minor misalignment that typically resolves within a few days. Bellinger reported improvement and hoped to be available off the bench, aiming to rejoin the starting lineup by Sunday.
The Yankees have started the season with a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, securing wins in the first two games. Bellinger’s absence has opened opportunities for other players, with Oswald Peraza filling in at third base. The team aims to clinch the series win, with Marcus Stroman taking the mound for the third game.
Bellinger’s addition is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the Yankees’ lineup, providing a potential boost to their offensive and defensive capabilities. As he recovers from his back issue, fans and analysts alike anticipate his impact once he returns to full health.
Bellinger’s addition is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the Yankees’ lineup, providing a potential boost to their offensive and defensive capabilities.
As he recovers from his back issue, fans and analysts alike anticipate his impact once he returns to full health.
