Former Dodgers fan favorite could end up with Yankees

On By Littum

It is common knowledge that the Chicago Cubs are shopping Cody Bellinger this winter. There’s a good chance the former Los Angeles Dodgers fan favorite could land with the New York Yankees.

The Bombers lost star shortstop Juan Soto after he signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets. While the Yankees may have lost one of its brightest stars, the organization has plenty of money to spend.

Days after the Yankees lost out on Soto, the organization signed former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. But after coming three games short of a World Series, New York is hoping to add as much talent as possible this offseason.

One star the Yankees hope to add to their roster is Bellinger, a left-handed hitting first baseman/center fielder. There has reportedly been progress between the Cubs and Yankees regarding a potential trade.

Talks have reportedly stalled over money, as Chicago is asking the Yankees to take on nearly the full $52.5 million owed to Bellinger over the next few years. Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, provided an update on the trade talks between the two clubs.

“Jed (Hoyer) told us they have some shift configuration issues that they’ve been looking into,” Boras said via Jon Heyman of the New York Post. “Cody and I have talked about it a lot. When the player is in this situation, there is always an expectation. But we also know that where Cody is in his career – where his contract is – he will go to a very competitive team, if that happens. If he stays in Chicago, it will be a place where he is very welcome.”

Bellinger, 29, hit a .266 average with 18 home runs and 78 runs batted in last year. He had a down year in 2024 — while his adjusted OPS was 11 percent above league average, he played a less influential role in Chicago.

In 2023, Bellinger was certainly worth big money, but it’s clear he knew his 2024 campaign wouldn’t bring a lucrative offer since he didn’t enter the free agent market.

More news: Former Dodgers World Series Winning Pitcher Signs with Angels

If the Cubs and Yankees were able to reach an agreement, Dodgers fans will have to see Bellinger in pinstripes next season.