Michael Reaves/Getty Images
In need of an outfielder and first baseman for next season, the New York Yankees are pursuing former NL MVP Cody Bellinger in trade talks with the Chicago Cubs.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees and Cubs made “a bit of progress” in discussions about Bellinger, but money remains a hurdle in getting anything done.
Heyman noted the Cubs want the Yankees to almost all of the $52.5 million left on Bellinger is still owed.
There is a possibility that Bellinger becomes a free agent after next season, which would save his team $25 million in 2026. His three-year, $80 million contract signed in February contains opt outs after each of the first two seasons.
Bellinger picked up his 2025 option with the Cubs in November after having a solid season, though not at the same level he played in 2023.
The two-time All-Star finished 10th in NL MVP voting two years ago after hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 homers and 20 RBI in 130 games. He posted a .266/.325/.426 slash line with 18 homers and nine stolen bases in 130 games last season.
The Cubs have stopped operating like a big-market team in many ways. They still maintain a top-10 payroll, but haven’t really been involved in any discussions involving the top free agents.
It’s interesting that the Cubs and Yankees are in talks for Bellinger because both teams have been linked to Houston Astros star Kyle Tucker, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome.
Bellinger isn’t part of the talks with the Astros, who are targeting Seiya Suzuki and Isaac Paredes from Chicago. It’s unclear if the Cubs would need to move on from Bellinger’s money before they would try to add Tucker, who is estimated to earn $16.7 million next season in his final year of arbitration.
The Yankees’ interest in Bellinger isn’t hard to figure out. They have needs in the outfield after losing Juan Soto and first base after declining Anthony Rizzo’s option.
Heyman did note New York is also pursuing free agents Pete Alonso and Christian Walker to potentially fill the void at first base.
Bellinger can play all three outfield spots and first base, providing roughly average defense wherever he lines up. His line-drive swing from the left side of the plate would likely produce more homers at Yankee Stadium with the short porch in right field if he ends up going to the Bronx.
