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Cubs Make Unexpected Decision on Former Yankees Pitcher

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 1:15 PM ET

So much for the Chicago Cubs turning former New York Yankees pitcher Cody Poteet into their new secret weapon.

The Cubs designated Poteet for assignment on Thursday, only months after the club acquired him in the Cody Bellinger trade. Chicago sent Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP and two-time All-Star, and cash to the Bronx for Poteet last December.

Poteet allowed four earned runs over 3.1 spring innings. The 30-year-old walked three and only struck out a single hitter.

Ultimately, the move turned out to be a salary dump. Which, in hindsight, maybe isn’t so surprising.

Otherwise, why would the Cubs have only acquired Poteet for a 2023 Silver Slugger? It’s not like the Yankees parted ways with a top-15 prospect.

Bellinger totaled 7.0 bWAR and a .815 OPS across his two Cubs seasons, reviving his career following a dreadful end to his Los Angeles Dodgers stint. His $25 million salary for 2025—and $22.5 million 2026 player option—is why he’s no longer mashing homers at Wrigley Field.

Still, the move is slightly unexpected because Poteet flashed for the Yankees last year. The ex-Miami Marlins pitcher went 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA over five games (four starts).

However, Poteet missed several months with a triceps injury and didn’t pitch in the playoffs.

We’ll see if the Yankees bring Poteet home, especially given their rash of preseason pitching injuries. He owns a 3.80 ERA and 127-64 K-BB ratio in 153 career innings, and he’s obviously familiar with the Bronx.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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