When Cody Bellinger picked up his $27.5 million player option for 2025 rather than becoming a free agent, it became evident, ironically, that his time in Chicago was running up.
Given his poor 2024 performance, Bellinger’s option exercise was expected. After failing to match his 2023 Cubs debut star-level production, it was unknown if he could earn similar guaranteed money on the open market if he opted out.
Bellinger’s decision made sense for him, but it hampered Chicago’s summer roster improvements. The Cubs appeared to have discovered their fundamental components at Bellinger’s two major positions in Michael Busch at first base and Pete Crow-Armstrong at center field. Although Bellinger played right field for much of the second half of 2024, Seiya Suzuki, Chicago’s greatest hitter last season, preferred to play right field more than DH. Bellinger appeared vulnerable in 2025.
Chicago’s desire to eliminate Bellinger’s high contract and enhance the roster was more important than Suzuki’s desire to play outfield. That plan became evident last week when the Cubs acquired ace right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros, moving Suzuki back to DH and left Bellinger with no defined role.
Introducing the Yankees. A Cubs trade of Bellinger appeared inevitable this winter, and the Yankees were always the most likely destination. Bellinger joined the Yankees from Chicago for 30-year-old right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. Chicago also gave New York $5 million to finish Bellinger’s contract. The Yankees will pay most of Bellinger’s debt, which might include an extra year if he takes up his $25 million option for 2026 next winter, which was Chicago’s intention with this agreement.
New York wanted Bellinger early last offseason when he was a hot free agent, but they traded for Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo in December to fill their outfield needs. That eliminated one obvious contender for Bellinger and allowed him to return to the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million deal later in February.
After Soto’s historic choice to leave the Yankees’ outfield for a historic contract with the Mets, Bellinger became a viable trade target for New York a year later. Before Tuesday, the Yankees had focused on improving mound impact rather than replacing Soto’s lineup contributions. The first was left-hander Max Fried, who joined the Yankees’ rotation on an eight-year, $218M contract, the highest for a southpaw. Brian Cashman and Co. added closer Devin Williams from Milwaukee to strengthen the bullpen.
New York had to restore its offense eventually. Left fielder Alex Verdugo, second baseman Gleyber Torres, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo were all 2024 regulars who hit free agency, with none of them expected to return. New York had many holes to fill, but Bellinger’s signing was a good start.
