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Yankees Acquire Cody Bellinger for $5 Million and Poteet, Set to Play Center Field

Dec 17, 2024, 09:55 PM

The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in a trade that also sees the Cubs sending $5 million, or $2.5 million per year, to offset part of Bellinger's salary. In exchange, the Cubs received right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. Bellinger, a former National League MVP and son of former Yankee Clay Bellinger, is set to play center field for the Yankees, a move that follows the departure of Juan Soto to the Mets. Bellinger's contract includes a $27.5 million player option for 2025 and a $25 million player option for 2026 with a $5 million buyout. This trade was facilitated after the Cubs acquired right fielder Kyle Tucker, which crowded their outfield. The move allows the Cubs to shed significant payroll and address other roster needs, while the Yankees aim to bolster their lineup with Bellinger's offensive capabilities and versatility across multiple positions.