Report: Cubs-Yankees making progress in trade for Cody Bellinger |
The Chicago Cubs are activing looking to move veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger.
His contract of $52 million is a lot to swallow as the Cubs are loaded with several promising prospects who have made it a logjam in the outfield in 2025 and beyond. Reports suggest the Cubs and Yankees are close to finalizing a deal, with the main sticking point being financial terms. “Bellinger looked like the best fit of all (for the Yankees) as a lefty-hitting first baseman/center fielder, and while the Yankees and Cubs were still apart on money, there was said to be a bit of progress late Wednesday,” per Heyman. “The hang-up was about money, with the Cubs asking the Yankees to take on nearly the full $52.5M Bellinger’s due over the next couple years, and the Yankees expecting more cash coming back.” Adding Bellinger would significantly bolster the Yankees’ roster. “Bellinger would bring great defense at first and proper insurance to center field in case Jasson Dominguez isn’t ready,” Heyman added. “Bellinger, a former MVP with a big skill set who’s played in the second- and third-biggest markets, declined to opt out so presumably his deal was a little strong following only a solid offensive season. But with the prices rising across the board, the two big-market teams have a chance to work something out.” The potential move would provide the Yankees with better defensive and offensive upside while freeing up the Cubs to prioritize their younger talent like Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara, Alexander Canario, PCA and more.
