The Yankees have made their response to losing out on the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes.
According to reports, including Jeff Passan of ESPN, New York has acquired Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Cubs after Chicago acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster deal with the Astros. The deal for Bellinger seemingly finalizes the Yankee outfield for 2025, as Bellinger can take over center field, allowing Aaron Judge to move back to his natural right field and Jasson Dominguez to take over for Alex Verdugo in left field.
Per Passan, the Yanks receive Bellinger and cash from Chicago, while New York sends away pitcher Cody Poteet, who pitched to a 2.22 ERA in 24.1 innings of work last season. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yankees are receiving $5 million in the trade.
Bellinger has been long linked to the Yankees as a potential trade target, and now, he is headed for the Bronx with his smooth lefty swing that produced a .751 OPS and 16 home runs in 130 games last season. In 2023, he hit an even .300 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI in what was his best season since winning the NL MVP award with the Dodgers in 2019.
The 29-year-old Bellinger comes with a load of postseason experience thanks to his days with the Dodgers as well as defensive versatility, as he played 22 games at first base in 2024.
The Yanks had been heavily linked to Tucker, a three-time All-Star, but according to Jack Curry of the YES Network, New York did not want to part with Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil in the return package. So, Bellinger becomes the consolation prize.
Bellinger opted into his contract for the 2025 season, which will net him $27.5 million. He will have a player option for 2026 as well.