In the ever-evolving world of baseball, recent events have brought about a significant shift. The Chicago Cubs, having signed Cody Bellinger to a three-year, $80 million contract just one offseason ago, found themselves in a predicament. The emergence of Pete Crow-Armstrong as a credible hitter made Bellinger (and/or Seiya Suzuki) expendable. Once the Cubs won the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, it was only a matter of time before the other shoe dropped.

Yankees' Strategic Move to Fill Center Field Void

Background and Initial Contract

Bellinger's time in Chicago began with a one-year prove-it deal in his first season, where he hit.307/.356/.525. However, in 2024, his performance was a bit more pedestrian, with a.266/.325/.426 batting average and 18 home runs, yet still maintaining a 109 wRC+. His defense in center field was average, contributing 2.2 WAR. He is set to make $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026, with the option to opt out after this upcoming season for a $5 million buyout.

The Trade and Its Implications

The New York Yankees came to the Cubs' rescue by taking Bellinger off their hands and absorbing most of his remaining contract. In return, Chicago received right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. This trade not only balanced the Codys in the baseball universe but also had implications for both teams. For the Yankees, it provided them with a potential option in center field and a chance to address other positions of weakness.

Bellinger's Career Trajectory

Bellinger's career has been a tale of highs and lows. A first baseman who transformed into a good defensive center fielder, he was a Rookie of the Year at 22 and an MVP at 24, winning a World Series at 25. But in his final two seasons with the Dodgers, he battled multiple injuries and a multi-year slump. His peak power, hitting 40 homers with ease and maintaining a favorable strikeout-to-walk rate, is now a thing of the past. In 2024, his ISO was higher than.180 just once in the last four seasons.

Home Ballpark Advantage

One of the key aspects of Bellinger's situation is the impact of the home ballpark. In 2024, he posted a 99 wRC+ at home and a 117 wRC+ on the road. Wrigley Field, with its unique dimensions, was not kind to him. Yankee Stadium, on the other hand, is more home run-friendly for a hitter like Bellinger. According to Baseball Savant's expected home runs table, Yankee Stadium would have been the third-most home run-friendly park for him in 2024. Had he played all his games at Yankee Stadium, he would have hit 24 home runs instead of 18.

Yankees' Center Field Options

The Yankees have a diverse group of center fielders. Aaron Judge was the best overall center fielder in baseball in 2024, but his defense in center was below average. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has extensive big league experience in center, but using him there would open up a hole at either second or third base. Trent Grisham is a good defender but not a strong hitter compared to Bellinger. Cody Bellinger, with his ability to play both center and first base, offers the Yankees an option at another position of weakness.

Poteet's Role

Cody Poteet, a 30-year-old right-hander, joined the Yankees as a free agent a year ago. He mixes five pitches and has had some success in his limited big league appearances. With the Marlins, he was more fastball-slider-changeup, but with the Yankees, he leaned more on his slower breaking pitches. His results have been good, but he gives up more hard contact than the numbers suggest. He is a serviceable swingman with two options left.

Overall Impact

Bellinger's contract is the big moving part in this deal. The Yankees are essentially paying cash to acquire a player who is not available on the open market this year. While he may not fill the void left by Juan Soto, he will fill the hole in center field. This trade is a strategic move by the Yankees to strengthen their team and address various positional needs.