Yankees Land Former MVP Cody Bellinger. A Win for New York
A Bold New Move
The New York Yankees recently made a strategic and impactful move by acquiring former MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. According to ESPN, this trade has been hailed as a win for the Yankees, especially considering the team didn’t have to spend excessively on the player. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the trade, the benefits Bellinger brings to the Yankees, and how it will impact the team’s future lineup.
The Context of the Trade
The New York Yankees are actively seeking players who can make a significant impact following a season that fell short of expectations. Signing Cody Bellinger not only strengthens the team’s roster but also serves as a logical move given the team’s need for a left-handed hitter. Cody Bellinger was once one of MLB’s brightest stars, earning MVP honours in 2019. However, in recent years, his performance has declined somewhat. Despite this, Bellinger remains a player with great potential and the ability to deliver clutch hits in important games.
Details of the Trade and ESPN’s Evaluation
According to David Schoenfield of ESPN, the trade has earned a “B” grade. He emphasized that Bellinger offers flexible defensive skills and helps the Yankees save money. Specifically, Bellinger will earn $27.5 million in 2025, with a player option worth $25 million for 2026. Meanwhile, the Cubs will pay $2.5 million annually toward Bellinger’s salary, meaning the Yankees won’t have to invest too heavily in him. Bellinger is expected to become a key part of the Yankees’ lineup, especially after the team lost Juan Soto to the Mets. Having a left-handed bat like Bellinger will help balance the lineup, and Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch will offer him a home-run advantage.
Impact on the Yankees’ Lineup
Cody Bellinger is expected to take over as the centre fielder, which will allow Aaron Judge to shift to right field—a position that requires less physical demand. This move not only eases Judge’s workload but also improves the overall defensive strength of the team.
Though Bellinger is an important addition, Schoenfield notes that he is not yet at the level needed to fully replace what Juan Soto brought to the Yankees. Schoenfield predicts Bellinger’s performance will resemble his 2024 numbers:.266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs in 130 games and a 2.2 WAR. This suggests that while Bellinger may make a difference, he still remains a tier below Soto.
Fan Expectations
Yankees fans are excited about Cody Bellinger joining the team. They hope his arrival will help improve the team’s performance and position them for a championship run in the upcoming season. Bellinger’s addition could provide the much-needed spark for the Yankees’ offence that fans have been waiting for.
While Bellinger may not return to his MVP form of 2019, fans are still hopeful that he will perform well in the upcoming season. They look forward to seeing decisive hits and impressive defensive plays from him, hoping that he will help the Yankees advance further in the games ahead.
A Strategic Move
The acquisition of Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs is a strategic move by the New York Yankees, offering several potential benefits to the team. While he may not fully replace Juan Soto, Bellinger can still make a positive contribution to the offence and provide flexibility in the lineup. The journey ahead for the Yankees in the upcoming season is full of potential. Fans are eagerly awaiting Bellinger’s performance and the development of the team following this trade. The New York Yankees are gradually getting back into the race, and Cody Bellinger could be a key player in that journey.
