ESPN: Yankees meeting with Cubs for a possible trade of $80 million for the former MVP
If star outfielder Juan Soto leaves the organization in MLB free agency, the New York Yankees will have to look for other possibilities. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, if Soto enters free agency, the Yankees may try to make a deal for Cody Bellinger, a star for the Chicago Cubs.
Nightengale wrote in an article titled “MLB rumor mill: What we’re hearing from GMs with Juan Soto contract looming large” on November 25, 2024, that “if the New York Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto, one backup plan floating around is signing free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, signing Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third, shifting Jazz Chisholm to second base, trading for Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger, and then using the extra money to sign Burnes, Fried, or Snell.”
Bellinger and the Cubs have a three-year, $80 million deal in place. Bellinger has a player option for the last season, but the former NL MVP’s contract is set to expire in 2026.
In order to make a trade, the Cubs could have to forgo some of Cody Bellinger’s $80 million contract.
Bellinger is still a good player, but his output hasn’t quite kept up with his large deal. Nightengale claims that in order to sell Bellinger, the Cubs could have to pay a portion of his contract.
According to Nightengale, “the Cubs offering Bellinger to anyone and everyone was the worst-kept secret at the GM meetings.” No team has shown a lot of interest thus far.
One general manager responded, “Come on, who’s going to touch that contract? The production just cannot afford the risk.
“Bellinger, 29, had a.751 OPS last season, hitting.266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI. The issue is that he owes $27.5 million this year, which is $1.5 million more than Bryce Harper, and if he chooses to opt out of his 2026 deal, he will be bought out for $25 million or $5 million. Accordingly, he will receive at least $32.5 million through 2025 and $52.5 million if he continues until 2026.
Juan Soto, a Yankees star, is anticipated to begin accepting contract offers.
Until Soto decides, a possible trade for Bellinger or the other moves Nightengale discussed are probably in a holding pattern. Soto has been meeting with prospective suitors in Southern California. According to Buster Olney of ESPN, Soto should begin getting official offers in the next few days.
with a comment posted on X on November 24, Olney explained, “Sources involved in the Juan Soto talks expect the teams to begin forwarding offers this week.” “The process has so far involved Soto meeting with officials from teams and clubs and those officials getting to know Soto.”
