The Chicago Cubs have traded former MVP to the New York Yankees as part of a cost-cutting strategy. The Yankees will cover most of Bellinger’s salary for the 2025 season and part of his 2026 salary or potential buyout, leaving the Cubs to pay just $5 million of his contract. This deal proves financially favorable for the Cubs. The Yankees, who recently missed out on Juan Soto in free agency, view Bellinger as a replacement for some of that lost production. They have also bolstered their roster with Max Fried and Devin Williams.
Bellinger, the 2019 MVP, has had an up-and-down career. After a rough 2021 season, where he posted a -1.7 WAR due to injuries and a performance dip, he signed a one-year deal with the Cubs for the 2023 season. In 130 games, Bellinger bounced back, hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 20 steals, and a 4.4 WAR. He exercised his $27.5 million player option for 2024, continuing his resurgence after an inconsistent run with the Dodgers.
Beyond his offensive output, Bellinger offers valuable versatility to the Yankees, capable of playing first base or the outfield, which adds flexibility to their roster. With potential gaps at first base and in the outfield, Bellinger could fill in at center field, enabling the Yankees to adjust player positions as needed.
For the Cubs, the trade helps them save money after acquiring superstar Kyle Tucker. Their outfield and designated hitter spots are now set with Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Tucker, and Seiya Suzuki. A possible trade involving second baseman Nico Hoerner could further reshape the roster, with the financial flexibility from this deal helping to strengthen their pitching staff.
In the end, the trade benefits both teams, assuming they continue to make bold moves. The Yankees gain a proven hitter with flexibility, while the Cubs reduce payroll and prepare for future roster changes, both likely to keep adjusting as they build for next season.
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