The Yankees acquire Cody Bellinger from the Cubs in a trade that includes a $5 million payment from Chicago. This information comes from a source who requested anonymity due to the pending announcement of the deal.
Bellinger, now 29 years old, is the son of Clay Bellinger, a former player who celebrated two World Series victories with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000. Under the terms of his current contract, he is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025, which is part of an $80 million, three-year agreement. Additionally, he holds a $25 million player option for 2026, with a $5 million buyout that will be paid in installments on January 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
In the 2023 season, Bellinger posted a batting average of .266, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 78 runs over 130 games. He faced a setback early in the season, spending time on the injured list due to a broken right rib.
Despite Chicago’s overall record of 83-79, Bellinger excelled in the latter part of the season, contributing 33 RBIs in his final 39 games.
Bellinger’s journey began in 2017 when he made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played for six seasons. His standout performance in 2019 earned him the National League MVP title, boasting a .305 batting average with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs. He was also a key player in the Dodgers’ World Series championship in 2020.
After being released by the Dodgers in November 2022, Bellinger signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs. He rebounded impressively, achieving a career-high batting average of .307, alongside 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 130 games last season.
Over his career, Bellinger has maintained a .259 batting average, accumulating 196 home runs and 597 RBIs across 1,005 games. He will celebrate his 30th birthday in July.
Cody Poteet, the pitcher involved in the trade, is also 30 years old. He made his major league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021 but underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2022. Poteet returned to action with Kansas City’s Triple-A Omaha team on September 23, 2023, after being released by the Royals. During his brief stint, he recorded a 3-0 record with a 2.22 ERA in four starts and one relief appearance, though he faced a setback with a strained right triceps that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season.
