{"id":8326,"date":"2024-12-07T03:09:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-07T03:09:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=8326"},"modified":"2024-12-07T03:09:46","modified_gmt":"2024-12-07T03:09:46","slug":"breaking-yankees-among-three-teams-to-recently-inquire-about-cody-bellinger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=8326","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING: Yankees Among Three Teams to Recently Inquire About Cody Bellinger"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cody Bellinger could be part of the Yankees’ plan, whether or not they retain Juan Soto.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Sep<\/picture><\/figure>\n
Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Cody Bellinger (24) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a 3-run home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images \/ Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Chicago Cubs are actively exploring trade options for Cody Bellinger, and the\u00a0New York Yankees\u00a0are among the teams\u00a0reportedly expressing interest.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Yankees, along with the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners, have recently \u201cchecked in\u201d with the Cubs regarding a potential trade for the 2019 NL MVP.<\/p>\n

Bellinger, 29, posted a .266\/.325\/.426 slash line in 2024, with 18 home runs and 78 RBI in 130 games. The previous year, he hit .307\/.356\/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBI, earning a Silver Slugger and finishing 10th in the NL MVP voting.<\/p>\n

Bellinger declined his player opt-out, securing at least $32.5 million in guaranteed money \u2014 $27.5 million for 2025 and a potential $5 million buyout. He also has the option to opt in for another $27.5 million in 2026 before re-entering free agency at age 31.<\/p>\n

Levine\u00a0reports\u00a0that the Cubs are not simply looking to shed Bellinger\u2019s salary or absorb a significant portion of it in a trade, which could complicate negotiations. For the Yankees, this could be a stumbling block.<\/p>\n

Already projected to pay a luxury tax in the third or possibly fourth tier, the Yankees\u2019 tax rate could range from 95% to 110%, depending on their free-agent moves \u2014 such as retaining Juan Soto or targeting players like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Willy Adames.<\/p>\n

Factoring in taxes, Bellinger\u2019s total cost for 2025 could reach between $52 million and $56 million, plus the potential $5 million buyout for 2026. Even for a team with deep pockets like the Yankees, this is a steep price to pay, particularly after Bellinger\u2019s more modest 2024 performance.<\/p>\n

Should the Cubs agree to absorb part of Bellinger\u2019s salary, he could fill the void at first base left by Anthony Rizzo, whose $17 million club option was declined. Bellinger, a versatile player, has appeared at first base 343 times in his career, though never as an everyday starter. He could also provide an option in the outfield if Soto departs.<\/p>\n

Bellinger\u2019s left-handed swing could play well at Yankee Stadium, especially with the Short Porch in right field.\u00a0Statcast\u00a0suggests his home run total would have increased by six if he had played every game in the Bronx, and his spray charts indicate he could have hit even more doubles off the wall.<\/p>\n

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