Report: Yankees Interested in Trade for $80 Million Former MVP With Aaron Judge and Juan Soto leading offense
The New York Yankees, boasting a 54-32 record, are likely to seek additions at the trade deadline. While Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been leading the offense, the Yankees could benefit from acquiring another bat. Cody Bellinger has reportedly “drawn interest” from the team, according to The Athletic’s Levi Weaver, amidst the Chicago Cubs’ recent struggles.
Weaver noted, “In Chicago, the White Sox have been bad since before Opening Day, but the Cubs (whose 11-16 June was actually a little better than their 10-18 May) also appear to be running out of time to turn things around. (Even Jed Hoyer has used the phrase, ‘You have to be a realist.’)” Outfielder Cody Bellinger’s name has begun to circulate, with interest from both the Rangers and Yankees. However, the Rangers, who also went 11-16 in June, may be less inclined to part with significant assets at this point.
According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Patrick Mooney, the Yankees and Bellinger were involved in trade rumors last season.
Bellinger Brings a Big Bat to the Bronx
Cody Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before the season, which includes opt-outs after the first two years. The 2019 National League MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger has experienced a resurgence with the Cubs following a few down seasons.
This season, Bellinger is slashing .267/.327/.416. While he wouldn’t replace Aaron Judge or Juan Soto, he could be an upgrade over Alex Verdugo in the outfield and offers versatility that makes it easy to incorporate him into the lineup.
Bellinger has made 267 career starts at first base, a position of need for the Yankees, and could also serve as the designated hitter. With Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo currently injured, Bellinger would easily become an everyday player.
At 28, Bellinger provides the Yankees with another left-handed bat. His resume includes two Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, two All-Star selections, and a World Series championship.
Yankees’ Interest in Bellinger
“With the Cubs struggling to gain traction in the playoff race, teams like the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have recently had a noticeable scouting presence around the club, a league source said,” wrote The Athletic’s staff on June 28. “If the trend continues for the Cubs, Bellinger’s name will likely become a much-discussed topic again near the deadline, as it was last season.”
Bellinger’s contract makes him a tricky trade target. The opt-outs could either make him a rental or a significant financial commitment through 2026. The Yankees face a looming decision with Soto’s contract and may not be willing to commit financially to Bellinger if it jeopardizes their ability to afford Soto.
The Cubs are seven games below .500 and 11 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.
“The Cubs were not designed to sell at the trade deadline. Their front office has been making moves around the edges of the roster, trying to incrementally improve a team that has 19 one-run losses, the most in the majors. But rivals have to be prepared just in case things get even worse and the Cubs change direction,” wrote The Athletic’s staff.