The Yankees sign first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports. The Cubs are also sending cash to the Yanks and receiving right-handers Cody Poteet. According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, $5 million goes to the Yankees. According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, that will be $2.5 million this year and $2.5 million next year. The second $2.5 million will go toward either his buyout or his salary in 2026, depending on his opt-out decision, according to Passan. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that Bellinger has been told he will play center field for the Yanks.

Bellinger’s move to the Bronx is logical and has been mentioned in numerous rumors recently. At the start of the offseason, the Yankees lost Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo And Anthony Rizzo to free agency, opening two holes in their outfield and one at first base. Because Bellinger has played in both the outfield and starter, he was viewed in many ways as a possible candidate for their 2025 plans. The Yanks pursued Soto for a long time, but he eventually landed with the Mets and pushed the Yankees into multiple backup plans. They have since signed lefties Max Fried and acquired right-handed Devin Williams to improve their rotation and bullpen.

For the Cubs, Bellinger appeared to be expendable for several reasons. On the one hand, Pete Crow Armstrong proved to be a serviceable midfielder in 2024, lining up with gloves, which was Bellinger’s primary spot the year before. Michael Busch also took over the first base. With Ian Happ And Seiya Suzuki Bellinger came under a bit of pressure in the outside corners. The Cubs only exacerbated the problem when they acquired Kyle Tucker from the Astros.

More will follow.