The Yankees’ acquisition of Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs for minimal return is a remarkable trade that could prove to be one of the biggest steals of the offseason. Bellinger’s strong start with the Yankees showcases his potential for a bounce-back year, both offensively and defensively. Whether this is a one-year rental or the beginning of a longer-term commitment, the Yankees have secured elite-level production at a fraction of the usual cost.
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“Yankees’ Stealthy Trade: How Acquiring Cody Bellinger for Next to Nothing Could Be One of the Biggest Steals of the Offseason”
In the world of baseball, where every move is scrutinized and analyzed, the New York Yankees have quietly pulled off one of the most lopsided trades in recent memory. Acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs for what can be described as “next to nothing,” the Yankees have potentially added a star outfielder to their roster at a bargain price.
The Trade Details
On paper, the Cubs received Cody Poteet and cash considerations in exchange for Bellinger. However, the Cubs have already moved on from Poteet this offseason, effectively trading away a Gold Glove outfielder for minimal return. As Joel Sherman of the New York Post noted, “Instead of talking about the bats, we should be asking how the Yankees got Bellinger for nothing, how does that happen?”
A Bargain for an MVP-Caliber Talent
Cody Bellinger is no ordinary player. He is a former MVP with a history of impressive offensive and defensive performances. Although his 2024 season with the Cubs was modest, hitting .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs and a 109 wRC+, his potential remains high. The Yankees clearly saw the upside, and Bellinger has already shown signs of a bounce-back year in his first few games with the Yankees.
At 29 years old, Bellinger is off to a hot start in pinstripes, slashing .400/.357/.700 with one homer, six RBIs, and a 151 wRC+. His swing looks sharp, and he has already launched a 451-foot home run, reminding fans of his days as a Dodger.
More Than Just a Bat
Bellinger’s contributions extend beyond his offensive prowess. He has provided Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field, a significant upgrade over Aaron Judge’s fielding metrics from 2024. Bellinger has also shown his defensive flexibility by shifting to left field when Jasson Dominguez has been out. This versatility is crucial for the Yankees, who are still recovering from Judge’s critical error in the World Series last fall. Adding a true defensive anchor in center field gives the pitching staff more confidence and allows manager Aaron Boone to experiment with outfield combinations as needed.
Future Considerations
If Bellinger continues his strong performance, he is likely to opt out of his contract after this season and enter free agency. The Yankees may be tempted to extend his contract, but they will face stiff competition from other teams. Players like Kyle Tucker and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are also expected to hit the market next winter, giving general manager Brian Cashman some intriguing choices based on performance and team needs.
