Cubs insider suggests "Aaron Judge not playing center field all the time" could benefit Yankees, making Cody Bellinger a good fit in New York
Cody Bellinger didn't get what he probably wanted last offseason as he ended up signing with the Cubs for three years and $80 million in February. After hitting .266 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs in 130 games this year, the outfielder/first baseman picked up his $27.5 million player option with the Cubs.
A good year in 2025 could probably prompt Bellinger to test free agency again and even if not, he could be a trade candidate for the Cubs if they don't perform like a postseason contender before the deadline.
During Friday night's episode of "Pinstripe Territory," Patrick Mooney of The Athletic discussed Bellinger's future amid trade rumors, as well as his potential fit on the New York Yankees.
"Two-way center fielders are really hard to find, and I’d imagine if you’re the Yankees, maybe Aaron Judge not playing center field all the time would be a good way to protect your very long-term investment," Mooney said (4:55 onwards).
"Otherwise, I think part of it—and this is where he fit well with Craig Counsell—is that you can move him around. He can play all three outfield positions, he can play first base, and he does it all with really good game awareness. He has speed—there’s a lot to like about Cody Bellinger, even though his name has been in trade rumors for a while."
Cody Bellinger's contract too high and too risky for anyone to touch, per MLB insider
No one's willing to entertain Cody Bellinger as a potential trade target despite the Cubs reportedly wanting to offload the former NL MVP. One of the reasons is that his high average annual value contract is too worth the risk.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Cubs have offered the services of Bellinger but "no team has expressed strong interest" so far.
"Come on," the GM said, per Nightengale. "Who's going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production."
Bellinger had a strong season in 2023, winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year as he smashed 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. However, his production in 2024 was certainly down, hitting only 18 home runs and 78 RBIs.
It remains to be seen if the Cubs find any takers for Cody Bellinger ahead of the 2025 season.