Yanks to acquire Bellinger from Cubs for reliever (source)

In a move that had been rumored for weeks, the Yankees made their first significant offensive addition of the winter on Tuesday, acquiring outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Cubs and cash considerations in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet.

According to a source, the Yankees are receiving $5 million to offset Bellinger’s remaining contract, which has two years and $52.5 million remaining. That includes a $25 million option for 2026 that can be bought out for $5 million.

TRADE DETAILSYankees receive: OF/1B Cody Bellinger, $5 millionCubs receive: RHP Cody Poteet

The 2019 National League MVP with the Dodgers, Bellinger has been on the Bombers’ radar for years, but their efforts to acquire the 29-year-old intensified following Juan Soto’s decision to cross borough lines and join the Mets ahead of the recent Winter Meetings.

A two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and one-time Gold Glove Award recipient (2019), Bellinger is likely to take over in center field, which would allow Aaron Judge to return to right field after playing most of this past year in center to accommodate Soto.

It is possible that Bellinger could also see time in left field or at first base, which would offer top prospect Jasson Domínguez an opportunity for playing time in center field.

From an offensive standpoint, the left-handed Bellinger projects as a powerful fit, especially playing half of his games in Yankee Stadium. Last season with the Cubs, Bellinger slashed .266/.325/.426 (111 OPS+), producing 23 doubles, 18 homers and 78 RBIs in 130 games.

Over his eight-year career with the Dodgers (2017-22) and Cubs ('23-24), Bellinger has compiled a .259/.334/.484 slash line (120 OPS+), with 186 doubles, 196 homers and 597 RBIs.

Poteet, 30, was 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA in five games (four starts) for the Yankees this past season. Over parts of three Major League seasons with the Marlins (2021-22) and Yankees ('24), Poteet has posted a 3.80 ERA in 24 career games.

Of course, Bellinger carries something of a Yankees pedigree: his father, Clay, was a utilityman on the dynasty-era clubs of the late 1990s, winning two World Series rings.