Yankees acquire Cody Bellinger from Cubs in salary-dump trade

Bellinger, who signed a three-year, $80-million contract with the Cubs last off-season, has two seasons and $52.5 million remaining on his current deal, including a 2026 player option worth $25 million.

Chicago is also sending $5 million in cash to New York as part of the trade, the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reported. Half of that amount will cover his 2025 salary, with the other responsible for either his buyout — if it’s exercised — or his ’26 salary.

The 29-year-old slugger endured a down year last season, at least by his standards, particularly involving his power output. One season after clubbing 26 home runs with a .525 SLG and .218 ISO, he hit 18 bombs but struggled to a .426 SLG and .161 ISO during his final season with the Cubs.

After splitting time in the outfield and at first base in 2024, Bellinger, a ’19 Gold Glove winner, is expected to primarily occupy centre field in New York next season, allowing Aaron Judge to return to right following the cross-town departure of Juan Soto. Thus, the organization will likely remain in the market for an impact first baseman.

Poteet, 30, made five appearances (four starts) with the Yankees last season, pitching to a 2.22 ERA with 16 strikeouts and eight walks in 24.1 innings. He also made 10 starts at triple-A, recording a 3.92 ERA and 49 punchouts across 43.2 innings.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman has been extremely active since losing Soto to the Mets, signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218-million contract, re-signing Jonathan Loaisiga, trading Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin to the Milwaukee Brewers for closer Devin Williams, and now acquiring Bellinger, all within just over a week.

Chances are New York isn’t finished making moves, either.