(670 The Score) Just days after acquiring star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros on Friday afternoon, the Cubs made another notable trade.
Chicago has agreed to trade first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger and cash to the New York Yankees in exchange for righty reliever Cody Poteet, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Tuesday afternoon. Bellinger’s exit was largely a salary dump, designed to give the Cubs more financial flexibility and revamp their lineup with Tucker slotted in as their everyday right fielder.
Bellinger hit .266 with 18 homers, 78 RBIs and a .751 OPS in 130 games in 2024. He held an opt-out clause in his contract but instead chose to return to the Cubs, knowing that a trade was a possibility. Bellinger had a big 2023 season, with 26 homers and an .881 OPS.
Bellinger is set to make $27.5 million in 2025 and also holds a $25-million player option for the 2026 season. The Cubs will send $5 million to the Yankees as part of the trade, according to reports.
Poteet, 30, has a 3.80 ERA in three MLB seasons. He's under club control through 2028.
Last Friday, the Cubs made a blockbuster move by acquiring Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith.