NEWS NOW: Yankees Pursue Trade for $30 Million Anthony Rizzo Replacement to a top rated star
As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees’ roster needs are becoming clearer, particularly at first base. Should general manager Brian Cashman consider acquiring outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs?
Evan Massey of Sports Illustrated believes this is an option worth exploring.
“With Anthony Rizzo sidelined due to injury, there were already indications that the Yankees might seek an upgrade,” he said. “This led to speculation about several potential targets, including Paul Goldschmidt, Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and others. Now, Cody Bellinger is another name to consider.
“Given the Chicago Cubs’ recent struggles, New York should think about trading for star first baseman Cody Bellinger.”
The Cubs have lost four consecutive games and are currently at the bottom of the National League Central as of June 27. Their 37-44 record places them 11 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and five games out of the final NL Wild Card spot.
The Yankees have also faced challenges, losing three straight games and eight of their last 10. Despite this, New York holds a 52-30 record and a one-game lead in the American League East over the Baltimore Orioles, making them better positioned to make a trade than the Cubs.
Bellinger Would Be a Huge Upgrade for New York
Although Cody Bellinger’s production in 2024 hasn’t quite matched his impressive 2023 campaign, he would still be a significant addition to the Yankees’ lineup.
Last year, the left-handed slugger posted a .307/.356/.525 slash line with 26 home runs, 97 RBI, 95 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases for the Chicago Cubs. He re-signed with the Cubs this past winter on a three-year, $80 million deal. However, the current season, in which he’s earning $30 million, is the only guaranteed year, as Bellinger has opt-outs after 2024 and 2025 if he chooses to test free agency again.
If the Cubs consider trading Bellinger, interested teams would likely view him as a half-season rental. Nonetheless, he would be a valuable addition to many lineups. This season, Bellinger is hitting .273/.333/.432 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, and 32 runs scored through 291 plate appearances.
The Yankees will be without Anthony Rizzo for about the next two months due to a fractured forearm. Rizzo’s position as the starting first baseman was already under scrutiny due to early-season struggles, as he was hitting just .223/.289/.341 through 291 plate appearances before landing on the injured list.
Bellinger & the Yankees Have Been Linked Together in the Past
The idea of Cody Bellinger joining the Yankees is not new. During his resurgent 2023 season, he played on a one-year, $17.5 million deal. Initially, the Chicago Cubs anticipated selling at the trade deadline, with Bellinger being a prime candidate for a move. However, a hot streak in July led the front office to change course and retain all potential trade candidates.
Before the Cubs decided to keep Bellinger, rumors swirled about how well he would fit with the Yankees. These rumors persisted into the winter when he reached free agency. On November 7, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Bellinger was at the top of the Yankees’ wish list to bolster their outfield.
The possibility lost momentum after New York traded for Juan Soto at the beginning of December. However, with the Yankees seeking more offense and the Cubs quickly falling out of contention, these rumors are likely to resurface. Instead of immediately placing him in the outfield, Bellinger would likely enhance the underperforming right side of New York’s infield.