Yankees land $80 million. former MVP award winner in four-player trade

The results of the Juan Soto sweepstakes will play a significant role in how the rest of the offseason goes for the New York Yankees. Regardless of the outcome, general manager Brian Cashman needs a new first baseman. Could Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger be a good fit via trade?

Bellinger is in the middle of one three-year, $80 million deal he wrote during last spring. He had a chance to opt out and test free agency again this winter, but decided against it. The 2019 National League MVP Award winner is set to make $27.5 million in 2025, and rumors have surfaced that Chicago is interested in trading him.

The left-handed slugger has been linked to the Yankees several times in the past because his skill set fits well with New York’s roster. That still applies here. If the Bombers re-sign Soto, then Bellinger could be the club’s primary first baseman. But if Soto leads elsewhere, Bellinger could be the primary center fielder and allow Aaron Judge to play right field.

What could a potential trade between New York and Chicago look like if Cashman tried to bring Bellinger to the Bronx? FanSided’s Zach Pressnell shared the following hypothetical swap:

– Yankees receiver: outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger

– The Cubs receive: right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, left-handed pitcher Brock Selvidge and right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling

Stroman played for the Cubs from 2022-23 before joining the Yankees in 2024. He posted a 4.31 ERA in 154 2/3 innings for New York, but also did not pitch in the postseason. Selvidge (seventh) and Vrieling (28th) finished the season among the Bombers’ top 30 prospects, per MLB.com.

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