Potential Yankees Target in Agreement With Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a deal with a potential New York Yankees free-agent target.

There were rumors throughout the offseason that indicated the New York Yankees could be interested in landing a former MVP.

Cody Bellinger made his decision on Sunday as he agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Passan adds that Bellinger will be paid $30 million in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons if he doesn't opt out after the first season. The left-handed hitting outfielder will make $20 million in 2026 if he doesn't opt out after the second year.

With Anthony Rizzo's injury last season, along with Jasson Dominguez's recovering from Tommy John surgery, there was a chance for the Yankees to land a star talent. The Yankees did have a level of interest in Bellinger throughout the offseason, as he can play both outfield and first base. 

New York went in another direction, as they traded five players for outfielder Juan Soto. The deal also included another outfielder, Trent Grisham and the Yankees also dealt for Boston outfielder Alex Verdugo. That all but eliminated a potential signing of Bellinger.

But rumblings remained because it's the Yankees and the franchise is never above spending money for talent. 

The Cubs needed an offensive star and retained Bellinger after he impressed in Chicago in 2023. 

Bellinger posted a 4.4 WAR after slashing .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and was the NL Comeback Player of the Year after two awful seasons with the Los Angeles Dodger. 

He also won a Silver Slugger and finished Top 10 in MVP voting for the third time in his career.

While the idea of Bellinger playing for the Yankees was an exciting one, it would've been tough to justify making this move with Rizzo healthy and Soto in the fold. 

Add in Dominguez and hot prospect Spencer Jones and there simply wasn't much room for Bellinger.