Report : Yankees Interested in Trade for $80 Million MVP
The New York Yankees, with a record of 54-32, are poised to make moves at the trade deadline. While Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been key contributors at the plate, the Yankees are looking to bolster their lineup with another bat. Recent reports from The Athletic’s Levi Weaver indicate that Cody Bellinger has caught the Yankees’ interest, especially with the Chicago Cubs facing challenges. According to Weaver, the Cubs, who struggled with an 11-16 record in June following a 10-18 May, are running out of time to reverse their fortunes. Cody Bellinger, an outfielder, has emerged as a potential trade target for multiple teams, including the Yankees and Rangers. This interest follows previous trade rumors involving Bellinger and the Yankees, as reported by The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Patrick Mooney.
Bellinger Brings a Big Bat to the Bronx
Cody Bellinger signed a lucrative three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before this season, featuring opt-outs after the first two years. After winning the National League MVP award in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has experienced a resurgence with the Cubs following a few down seasons.
This season, Bellinger holds a slash line of .267/.327/.416. While he wouldn’t displace Aaron Judge or Juan Soto, he could potentially upgrade the outfield over Alex Verdugo. His versatility allows him to slot into various positions in the lineup, having started 267 games at first base in his career, a position the Yankees currently need to fill. He could also serve as a designated hitter, especially with Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo currently injured, making him a likely everyday player.
Bellinger, at 28 years old, also offers the Yankees another potent left-handed bat. His impressive resume includes two Silver Slugger awards, a Gold Glove, two All-Star selections, and a World Series championship.
Yankees’ Interest in Bellinger
The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have been actively scouting the struggling Chicago Cubs, signaling potential interest in Cody Bellinger, as reported by The Athletic on June 28. Bellinger’s contract, which includes opt-outs, presents a complex trade scenario—he could either be a rental or a significant financial commitment through 2026. This situation complicates matters for the Yankees, especially considering their upcoming decision regarding Juan Soto’s contract extension, which may impact their willingness to take on Bellinger’s financial obligations.
Despite the Cubs’ current position, seven games below .500 and 11 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, their front office initially planned to make incremental roster improvements rather than selling at the trade deadline. However, the situation could change if their performance worsens, prompting potential trade discussions for players like Bellinger.