The New York Yankees have secured Cody Bellinger in a trade from the Chicago Cubs, accord to reports.
The Bronx Bombers continued to launch their Plan-B offensive Tuesday in the devastating wake of losing Juan Soto to crosstown rivals the New York Mets earlier this month.
Bellinger was traded to the Yankees in a deal with the Cubs, according to Jeff Passan.
The Cubs are also sending $5million to the Yankees, and will receive right-handed reliever Cody Poteet in return.
Bellinger, 29, is a former MVP and has two years remaining on his contract with an opt-out after 2025.
The first baseman won Rookie of the Year in 2017 and MVP in 2019 before suffering a downturn in production that was due at least in part by injuries.
The New York Yankees have secured Cody Bellinger in a trade from the Chicago Cubs
The Pinstripes have continued an aggressive approach to offseason after losing Juan Soto
Last season, in 130 games, Bellinger hit .266/.325/.426 (111 OPS+) with 23 doubles, 18 homers, 78 RBI, 72 runs and nine stolen bases.
He opted against free agency, instead exercising his $27.5 million player option. He reportedly has another player option for next season at $25 million.
Earlier this month, it had appeared that the Yankees’ chances of returning to the World Series had taken a sever hammering.
The Pinstripes lost the multi-million-dollar dogfight to retain Soto’s signature when the Mets – and owner Steve Cohen’s endless riches – stole the Dominican star on a 15-year, $765million deal, the richest in sports history.
But, now free to spend massive amounts of money on multiple players, Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman and co. have bounced back in style.
The Bellinger trade comes after the Yankees also acquired relief pitcher Devin Williams.
Nicknamed The Airbender, Williams made his big-league debut in 2019 and has only previously played for the Brewers in MLB.
He was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023 and was named the National League’s Reliever of the Year in 2020 and last year.
There had been suggestions that Bellinger could be on the move after the Cubs acquired Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros last week, sparking rumors that they could be shopping the former MVP around.
More to follow.
