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The New York Yankees are 54-32 and will likely look to add a bat at the trade deadline. With the recent struggles of the Chicago Cubs, Cody Bellinger has “drawn interest” from New York, according to The Athletic’s Levi Weaver.
The Cubs “appear to be running out of time to turn things around. (Even Jed Hoyer has used the phrase, ‘You have to be a realist.’),” Weaver wrote on July 2. “One name that has begun to circulate is outfielder Cody Bellinger, who has reportedly drawn interest from the Rangers and Yankees. The former may be less likely to give up much at this point, however — they also went 11-16 in June, which was identical to their May record.”
The Yankees and Bellinger, 28, were involved in trade rumors last season, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Patrick Mooney.
As of July 2, the Cubs had not indicated that they would be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline.
Cody Bellinger Would Bring a Big Bat to the Bronx
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before the season. The deal includes opt-outs after the first two seasons. Bellinger won the National League MVP award in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After three down seasons, he had a resurgence playing on a one-year deal with the Cubs in 2023.
Bellinger is slashing .267/.327/.416 this season with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs through July 1. Bellinger certainly would not be taking the place of Aaron Judge or Juan Soto, but he could be an upgrade over Alex Verdugo in the outfield. And Bellinger, who also plays first base, can provide versatility that would make it easy to plug him into the lineup.
Bellinger has made 267 career starts at first base, a position of need for the Yankees after Anthony Rizzo fractured his right forearm in June. He could also serve as the DH. With Giancarlo Stanton and Rizzo on the injured list until at least late July and mid-August, respectively, Bellinger would easily become an everyday player.
He would also provide the Yankees with a left-handed option at the plate. Bellinger’s resume also includes two Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, two All-Star selections and a World Series.
Yankees’ Interest in Bellinger
“With the Cubs struggling to gain traction in the playoff race, teams like the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have recently had a noticeable scouting presence around the club, a league source said,” wrote The Athletic’s staff on June 28. “If the trend continues for the Cubs, Bellinger’s name will likely become a much-discussed name again near the deadline, as it was last season.”
Bellinger’s contract makes him a tricky trade target. With the opt-outs, he could either be a rental or a big financial commitment through 2026. The Yankees have a decision looming with Soto’s contract. They may not be willing to financially commit to Bellinger if it means they won’t be able to afford Soto.
The Cubs are seven games below .500 and 11 back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.
“The Cubs were not designed to sell at the trade deadline. Their front office has been making moves around the edges of the roster, trying to incrementally improve a team that has 19 one-run losses, the most in the majors. But rivals have to be prepared just in case things get even worse and the Cubs change direction,” wrote The Athletic’s staff.
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