The Chicago Cubs seem focused on trading one of their key stars this offseason after he opted into the second year of his three-year deal. While he was solid last season, his performance noticeably dipped compared to his stellar 2023 campaign. With $52.5 million owed over the next two years, his contract is a bit steep for the Cubs’ liking, and it appears the front office, led by Jed Hoyer, wasn’t fully prepared to carry his salary into 2025.
Among the teams reportedly interested, the New York Yankees stand out as the most serious contenders. On paper, he is a natural fit, filling the left-handed outfield role vacated by Juan Soto. While he isn’t on Soto’s level offensively, he offers greater defensive versatility, particularly with his ability to play center field. This could enable the Yankees to move Aaron Judge to a less demanding position. Additionally, Bellinger’s experience at first base could prove valuable if the Yankees miss out on players like Christian Walker or Pete Alonso.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Bellinger throughout his career, but his talent is undeniable. As a former MVP and two-time All-Star, he has shown he can perform at an elite level. At 29, he likely has plenty left in the tank, and Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly environment could help him thrive, especially if he bats near Judge in the lineup. Given this, it’s no surprise the Yankees are taking their pursuit of Bellinger very seriously.
Yankees willing to pay hefty price to land Cody Bellinger in New York
Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reports that the Yankees are open to including their No. 5 prospect, Will Warren, in a potential trade for Cody Bellinger. Warren, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, had a tough stint in the majors last season, posting a 10.32 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over 22.2 innings across six appearances (five starts).
While those numbers aren’t impressive, Warren has demonstrated significant potential in the minors and still has plenty of upside at his age. For the Yankees to offer a top-five prospect in exchange for Bellinger, despite his hefty contract, underscores how seriously they value him. Many had assumed the Cubs might have to offload Bellinger’s contract without receiving much in return, but Warren could prove to be a valuable long-term asset for Chicago.
This aligns with Cody Bellinger’s talent level, and Yankees fans should feel optimistic about the front office’s aggressive approach, especially after missing out on Juan Soto. While debates over Max Fried’s $218 million valuation or trading a top-five prospect like Will Warren for Bellinger are valid, the Yankees’ commitment to making bold moves is commendable. A franchise of their stature should be spending to compete for championships.
However, how the Cubs handle Bellinger’s remaining salary is still uncertain. According to Sports Illustrated, Chicago wants New York to cover nearly all of the $52.5 million left on his contract, while the Yankees prefer the Cubs to take on most of the financial burden. The final structure of the trade, if it happens, will likely hinge on how much salary Chicago agrees to absorb. If the Cubs shoulder the majority of the cost, Warren — and possibly more — could be headed to Wrigley Field.
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