Yankees trade for Cody Bellinger (and might've fleeced Cubs) after staring contest

It's about time! After what's felt an eternity due to weeks of deliberation, the New York Yankees have made their third impact move of the offseason as they look to avenge the World Series and Juan Soto losses to close out 2024.

The Yankees have traded for Cubs star Cody Bellinger, who has been a rumored target for years. Perhaps they landed him too late, but better late than never, especially with their current needs.

It's unclear where Bellinger will slot in for 2025 — the Yankees need a first baseman and a left fielder, and Belli can play both positions. Bob Nightengale reported on Tuesday that he'll cover center and move Aaron Judge back to right, but Chris Kirschner refuted that a decision had been made. Does Jasson Dominguez play left? Does he still have a future with the big club?

The Bombers could slot Bellinger in the outfield and chase a star first baseman in free agency. They could slide him to first base and continue their hopeful onslaught of the Dodgers by signing Teoscar Hernández.

The options are aplenty, but Bellinger is the next domino to fall as we await details of the deal in terms of who's going back to Chicago and how much money the Cubs are eating.

Yankees and Cubs agree to Cody Bellinger trade after long deliberations

Oops, and here they are! Somehow, the Yankees gave up ... nothing? According to Jack Curry, Cody Poteet is headed to Chicago ... and $5 million is headed to the Yankees. Excuse us? The Cubs were that desperate to cut payroll?

That's no shade to Poteet, but it's hard to consider the 30-year-old a high-profile trade chip when he only appeared in five games last year (and 24 for his career). He was signed to a major league (minimum) deal before the start of 2024.

Bellinger isn't the player he used to be, but he's still an impact talent, even if the $32.5 million price tag for 2025 felt steep (he also has a player option for 2026). The Cubs just traded for Kyle Tucker, who is only under contract for 2025 and they're making the team ... worse?

Whatever the case, the two sides did business. The Cubs did not want to carry Bellinger's money any longer, and the Yankees possessed the budget and need to take on a majority of his salary (or remaining contract, depending what he decides for next year).

The Yankees still have work to do, but fans cannot complain about Cashman's moves so far. Finally, it feels like some of these obvious decisions are being followed through with.