MLB News: Cubs Trade Cody Bellinger to Yankees for Cody Poteet

Dec. 18, 2024, 12:30 a.m. Sports

In a stunning turn of events, the Chicago Cubs have made a major trade with the New York Yankees, sending outfielder Cody Bellinger to the Bronx in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet. The trade, which was announced late last night, has sent shockwaves throughout the baseball world as fans and analysts try to make sense of the move.

On the surface, this trade may seem like a head-scratcher for both teams. Bellinger, who is just 26 years old, has been one of the Cubs' best players since making his MLB debut in 2017. The outfielder has won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award, and was named the National League MVP in 2019 after a standout season in which he hit .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs.

On the other hand, Poteet, a 27-year-old right-hander, has only been in the league for two seasons and has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter. In 2021, he posted a 5.35 ERA in 15 games (11 starts) for the Yankees, leading some to question why the Cubs would give up a star player like Bellinger for a relatively unproven pitcher.

However, a closer look at the trade reveals that there may be more to it than meets the eye. The Cubs are currently in a rebuilding phase after a disappointing season in which they finished fourth in the NL Central with a record of 71-91. By trading Bellinger, the team is signaling that they are committed to restocking their farm system and building for the future.

In Poteet, the Cubs are getting a young pitcher with potential who could develop into a key piece of their rotation in the coming years. Despite his struggles in 2021, Poteet has shown flashes of brilliance, including a complete-game shutout against the Kansas City Royals in August.

For the Yankees, acquiring Bellinger gives them a much-needed offensive boost as they look to compete in a tough AL East division. The team struggled to score runs last season, finishing 14th in the American League in runs scored, and Bellinger's bat should provide a significant upgrade in the lineup.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Bellinger also brings elite defense to the Yankees outfield. With a career fielding percentage of .994 and a cannon arm, he is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game and should help shore up a Yankees defense that ranked in the middle of the pack in 2021.

Despite the potential benefits for both teams, there are still risks involved in this trade. Bellinger is set to become a free agent after the 2023 season, and if he does not perform up to expectations, the Yankees could be left empty-handed. On the other hand, if Poteet fails to live up to his potential, the Cubs could end up regretting the decision to trade away a player of Bellinger's caliber.

Ultimately, only time will tell who “won” this trade. For now, both teams are focused on the upcoming season and the opportunity to compete for a championship. The addition of Bellinger to the Yankees lineup and Poteet to the Cubs rotation should make for an interesting storyline to follow in the months and years to come. Fans of both teams will be eagerly anticipating the start of the season to see how these new acquisitions will impact their respective clubs.