MLB Rumors: Yankees Find Juan Soto Replacement In Pivotal Trade With Cubs

The New York Yankees found their Juan Soto replacement, and it comes in the form of the 2019 National League MVP.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that the Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs to fill a massive void in their lineup. New York sent right-handed reliever Cody Poteet to Chicago in the deal.

The Cubs also sent $5 million to the Yankees in the trade, per Passan. Bellinger is under contract for the next two seasons — he will make $27.5 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026 — but he has an opt out following the upcoming campaign.

Bellinger, 29, isn’t the same player who took home MVP honors five years ago, but he’s still a productive, left-handed bat. After batting .307 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in his first season with the Cubs in 2023, he hit .266 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs this past season.

Playing at Yankee Stadium should help Bellinger, but he’s still a far cry away from the 41-home run, 109-RBI campaign Soto put together in pinstripes this season. But Bellinger obviously will cost a fraction of the price of Soto.

Bellinger gives the Yankees defensive flexibility as well. He plays the outfield a majority of the time, but he can slide in at first base, too.

The move to obtain Bellinger is New York’s third big transaction of the offseason after falling just short to the New York Mets in the race for Soto. The Yankees also signed standout starting pitcher Max Fried to a massive contract while also trading with the Milwaukee Brewers for two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams.

New York also executed a minor trade with the Boston Red Sox, but it’s clear the Yankees plan to be aggressive to make up for the loss of Soto.