Cubs trade Cody Bellinger and cash considerations to the Yankees in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet.

 The New York Yankees bolstered their roster on Tuesday, acquiring outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet. The move comes as the Yankees aim to reinforce their lineup following outfielder Juan Soto's departure to the New York Mets in free agency.

According to sources, the Cubs will send $5 million to offset Bellinger’s salary. Bellinger, 29, is under contract for $27.5 million in 2025, with a $25 million player option for 2026. Chicago will cover $2.5 million of his 2024 salary and another $2.5 million toward either the buyout of his option or his 2026 salary, depending on his decision.

Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, experienced a resurgence with the Cubs in 2023 after three subpar seasons. In March, he signed a three-year, $80 million deal with Chicago. He posted a .266/.325/.426 slash line with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs this past season and chose not to opt out of the remaining terms of his contract.

The Yankees' acquisition of Bellinger follows the signing of left-handed pitcher Max Fried and a trade for All-Star closer Devin Williams, signaling the team’s determination to contend after falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

Bellinger’s versatility offers the Yankees multiple options. A strong defensive center fielder and first baseman, he could slot into center field, left field, or fill the void at first base left by Anthony Rizzo’s free agency. New York also has the option to pursue free agents like Pete Alonso or Christian Walker to solidify first base, with in-house options like Ben Rice available as well.

During his MVP season in 2019, Bellinger batted .305/.406/.629 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs. Over his eight-year career, he has compiled a .259/.334/.484 line with 196 home runs and 597 RBIs across 1,005 games.

The Cubs, meanwhile, had been actively seeking a trade partner for Bellinger to free up payroll and refocus on building their roster after finishing 83-79 in 2023. After lengthy negotiations, the teams agreed on financial terms and the inclusion of Poteet.

Poteet, 30, made four starts for the Yankees this season, pitching 24⅓ innings with a 2.22 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and eight walks. In his three major league seasons, split between starting and relief roles, Poteet has a career 3.80 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 83 innings.

Additionally, on Tuesday, the Cubs traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations.