With a 54-32 record, the New York Yankees will probably try to add a hitter during the trade deadline. According to Levi Weaver of The Athletic, Cody Bellinger has “drawn interest” from New York due to the Chicago Cubs’ recent troubles.
There doesn’t seem to be much time left for the Cubs to turn things around. (“You have to be a realist,” even Jed Hoyer has said),” Weaver tweeted on July 2. Outfielder Cody Bellinger is one name that has apparently caught the attention of the Rangers and Yankees. The former, however, may be less likely to give up much at this stage because they also finished June with a record of 11-16, which was the same as their May performance.
Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic have reported that Bellinger, 28, and the Yankees were parties to trade rumors in the previous season.
The Cubs have not announced as of July 2 that they would be sellers by the trade deadline on July 30.
A Big Bat Would Arrive in the Bronx Thanks to Cody Bellinger
Before the season, Bellinger inked a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs. After the first two seasons, opt-outs are included in the pact. Bellinger, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, was named the National League MVP. He had a comeback in 2023 while playing for the Cubs on a one-year contract after three unsuccessful seasons.
Bellinger has hit nine home runs and collected 34 RBIs so far this season, slashing.267/.327/.416 through July 1. Bellinger might be an improvement over Alex Verdugo in the outfield, but he wouldn’t replace Juan Soto or Aaron Judge. Furthermore, Bellinger, a first baseman as well, has versatility that would make inserting him into the order simple.
Since June, when Anthony Rizzo suffered a fracture to his right forearm, Bellinger has made 267 starts at first base for the Yankees. He might act as the DH as well. Bellinger would quickly establish himself as a regular player with Giancarlo Stanton and Rizzo out until at least late July and mid-August, respectively, due to injuries.
In addition, he would provide the Yankees a left-handed hitter. In addition, Bellinger has won a World Series, two Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and two All-Star selections.
Bellinger’s Interest to the Yankees
Teams like the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers have recently had a significant scouting presence around the club, according to a league source, as the Cubs struggle to establish momentum in the postseason race, The Athletic’s writers reported on June 28. “If the Cubs keep up this trend, Bellinger’s name will probably come up frequently around the deadline once more, just like it did the previous season.”
Bellinger is a difficult trade target due to his contract. He might be a rental or a significant financial commitment through 2026 with the opt-outs. The Yankees must make a decision regarding Soto’s deal soon. If it means they won’t be able to afford Soto, they might not be ready to make a financial commitment to Bellinger.
In the National League Central, the Cubs are 11 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers and seven games below.500.
It was not the Cubs’ intention to sell at the trade deadline. Their executive management has been making little roster adjustments in an effort to gradually strengthen a squad that leads the majors with 19 one-run losses. However, opponents must be ready in case things worsen and the Cubs decide to take a different course, as The Athletic’s staff writes.
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