New York Yankees Acquire Outfielder Cody Bellinger from Chicago Cubs
Trade Details
The New York Yankees have agreed to acquire outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced.
Background on Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger, a former National League MVP, made his major league debut in 2017 and spent his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2019, he won the National League MVP award, batting .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs in 156 games. He also helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020.
Career Statistics
Bellinger is a career .259 hitter with 196 home runs and 597 RBIs in 1,005 games. He turns 30 in July.
Recent Performance
In 2024, Bellinger batted .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs in 130 games. He was on the injured list from April 24 to May 7 with a broken right rib. He drove in 33 runs in his last 39 games of the season, but Chicago finished with an 83-79 record.
Contract Details
Bellinger is owed $27.5 million in 2025 under the first of two player options as part of an $80 million, three-year contract. He also has a $25 million player option for 2026 with a $5 million buyout that would be payable in equal installments on January 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
Background on Cody Poteet
Poteet, 30, made his major league debut with Miami in 2021. He had Tommy John surgery on August 17, 2022, and returned to the mound with Kansas City’s Triple-A Omaha farm team on September 23, 2023. He was released by the Royals and signed with the Yankees last January. In 2024, he went 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA in four starts and one relief appearance, missing time between June 12 and September 25 due to a strained right triceps.
Conclusion
The New York Yankees’ acquisition of Cody Bellinger is a significant move, bringing a talented outfielder to the Bronx. Bellinger’s ability to produce at the plate and in the field makes him a valuable addition to the team.
FAQs
Q: What did the New York Yankees give up in the trade?
A: The Yankees sent right-hander Cody Poteet to the Chicago Cubs.
Q: What is Cody Bellinger’s contract situation?
A: Bellinger is owed $27.5 million in 2025 under the first of two player options as part of an $80 million, three-year contract. He also has a $25 million player option for 2026 with a $5 million buyout.
Q: What is Cody Poteet’s background?
A: Poteet, 30, made his major league debut with Miami in 2021 and had Tommy John surgery in 2022. He returned to the mound with Kansas City’s Triple-A Omaha farm team in 2023 and signed with the Yankees in January 2024.
