Sep 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger (24) hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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Yankees acquire Cody Bellinger from Cubs in blockbuster trade to rebuild post-Juan Soto

Yankees add Cody Bellinger in post-Soto rebuild

The Yankees have made their move. Cody Bellinger is heading to the Bronx, a piece in what feels like a scramble to rebuild after losing Juan Soto to the Mets. The trade brings Bellinger, along with $5 million, from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet.

Was Bellinger’s addition a necessary risk?

Bellinger is no stranger to center field, and that’s exactly where the Yankees plan to use him. This decision does a few things: it fills the gap Soto left, gets Aaron Judge back to his natural spot in right field, and avoids overextending the captain defensively.

It’s practical. Maybe not perfect, but practical.

TRADE: The Yankees are acquiring outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/5mL7UUyhj8
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 17, 2024

The numbers? Last season, Bellinger hit .266 with 19 home runs and posted a league-average defensive performance in center. His days of MLB MVP dominance might feel distant, but he’s steady. He’s got versatility too—center field, left field, first base. The Yankees don’t need him to be 2019 Bellinger; they need him to be good enough.

What about Jasson Domínguez?

Domínguez. Yankees fans have been waiting for him to shine, but this move puts him on pause. With Bellinger in center, Domínguez likely shifts to left field.

It’s not ideal but understandable. Domínguez missed chunks of last season with injuries, including Tommy John surgery. Maybe the Yankees just aren’t ready to gamble on a prospect when they’re chasing a championship. Veteran presence matters. Proven consistency matters.

Domínguez isn’t out of the picture, though. He’ll get his chances. Just not yet.

Dollars and risks

Financially, the Yankees are treading a fine line. Bellinger comes with a $52.5 million price tag over two years, and the Cubs are chipping in $5 million to help. Sounds okay until you factor in the Yankees’ luxury tax hit. Every dollar they spend now costs extra.

BREAKING: OF/1B Cody Bellinger has been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees, sources tell ESPN. Bellinger, 29, is a former MVP and has two years remaining on his contract with an opt-out after 2025. Yankees continue to be aggressive post-Juan Soto.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 17, 2024

If Bellinger performs well, he might opt out after 2025, leaving the Yankees with just one season for a hefty $27.5 million. If he struggles or gets injured? They’re on the hook for 2026 too. High risk, limited reward.

Still, what were their other options? The outfield market is thin. Trade targets like Luis Robert Jr. were likely too expensive, and free agents like Teoscar Hernández come with their own risks.

Rebuilding post-Soto

This isn’t just about Bellinger. The Yankees also brought in Max Fried and Devin Williams this offseason. They’re retooling. Soto’s departure stings, no doubt, but these moves show the Yankees aren’t throwing in the towel.

The Yankees didn’t wait long to show they’re serious about rebounding after losing Juan Soto. Cody Bellinger’s arrival from the Cubs is a clear signal that New York is piecing together its offense for 2025, starting with versatility and a proven veteran presence.

Family Business.

Like his dad Clay, who played for the @Yankees from 1999-2001, Cody Bellinger will wear Pinstripes. pic.twitter.com/NjMjKkEaFE
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) December 17, 2024

Losing Soto left gaping holes not just in the Yankees’ outfield but also in their overall lineup. Bellinger may not replace Soto’s production entirely, but he offers stability at a time when the Yankees’ roster is in flux.

The Yankees aren’t done, of course. Cody Bellinger is just the opening move. First base remains a glaring need, and the team still has plenty of work to do to restore its lineup to contender status. But this trade shows Brian Cashman isn’t waiting for a miracle.

The legacy angle

There’s something poetic about this move, too. Cody Bellinger’s father, Clay, was part of the Yankees’ dynasty teams in the late ’90s. Now Cody gets his shot to wear the pinstripes and carve out his own legacy. It’s a nostalgic twist in a trade that’s otherwise about practicality.

Image: Imagn

Cody Bellinger

Juan Soto

Yankees

Yankees sign cody bellinger

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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