"It will forever have a special place in my heart" - Cody Bellinger's emotional farewell to the Cubs and Wrigley Field's lasting influence
Cody Bellinger's time with the Chicago Cubs has come to a close. It was announced on Tuesday that the former National League MVP was traded to the New York Yankees.
Trade talks between the two camps have been watched closely all winter, and the Bronx Bombers quickly pivoted following Juan Soto's announcement. Now, the Yanks have another powerful bat, and all it took was sending RHP Cody Poteet to Chicago.
Now headed to the Bronx, Bellinger couldn't leave Chicago without saying something to fans. On Instagram Reels, he thanked fans, Wrigley Field, the organization and the city a farewell.
"I am extremely grateful that I was able to play in Wrigley Field wearing the home whites. The fans, the atmosphere, the organization, everything about Chicago is truly beautiful. I enjoyed every second of being a cub. It will forever have a special place in my heart," Bellinger posted.
Bellinger enjoyed his time in Chicago. They were the club that gave him a chance after he lost his footing toward the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his two seasons with the Cubbies, the slugger hit .286 with 44 home runs and 175 runs batted in.
Cody Bellinger is willing to play multiple positions with the Yankees
One thing that Cody Bellinger brings to the table that Juan Soto didn't is his ability to play multiple positions. He has experience playing all three outfield positions alongside having taken a ton of reps at first base.
Last season with the Cubs, Bellinger played 49 games in right, 48 in center, one in left and 22 at first base. That mix between the outfield and the infield is something that likely won't change when he arrives in the Bronx.
According to manager Aaron Boone, Bellinger is willing to split his time between outfield and first base. This is huge, especially as the Yanks have a hole at first base.
Anthony Rizzo is on the open market, and there aren't too many signs linking a return. They could look at others on the open market, like Christian Walker or Pete Alonso, but both players would be costly.
While the Yanks have made multiple moves this offseason, they likely aren't done yet. Do not be surprised if they aggressively look to pursue another bat following the Bellinger trade.