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By Matt Musico
Contributing Sports Writer
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The results of the Juan Soto sweepstakes will play a significant role in how the rest of the offseason goes for the New York Yankees. Regardless of the outcome, general manager Brian Cashman needs a new first baseman. Could Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger be a fit via trade?
Bellinger is in the midst of a three-year, $80 million deal he signed last spring. He had a chance to opt out and test free agency again this winter but decided against it. The 2019 National League MVP Award winner is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025 and rumors have surfaced that Chicago is interested in trading him.
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The left-handed slugger has been linked to the Yankees multiple times in the past because his skill set fits New York's roster well. That still applies here. If the Bombers re-sign Soto, then Bellinger could be the club's primary first baseman. But if Soto heads elsewhere, Bellinger could be the primary center fielder and allow Aaron Judge to play right field.
What could a potential trade between New York and Chicago look like if Cashman tried to bring Bellinger to the Bronx? FanSided's Zach Pressnell shared the following hypothetical swap:
- Yankees receive: outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger
- Cubs receive: right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, left-handed pitcher Brock Selvidge and right-handed pitcher Trystan Vrieling
Stroman played for the Cubs from 2022-23 before joining the Yankees in 2024. He posted a 4.31 ERA in 154 2/3 innings for New York, but he also didn't pitch at all in the postseason. Selvidge (seventh) and Vrieling (28th) finished the season among the Bombers' top 30 prospects, per MLB.com.
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