Every offseason, the New York Yankees try to become the best team in MLB. Free mediation and trades are both big parts of this. Some shops, e.g Juan Soto trade, has paid off hugely for the Yankees.

Yankees should trade for Star Outfielder/First Baseman

Cody Bellinger is the best player at Chicago Cubs team. But he’s also the most expensive player, making free agency tough for the Cubs, who now have Bellinger on the trade block. Bellinger will cost the Yankees a lot of money if he is traded. However, the Gold Glove defender is both a center fielder and a first baseman, giving the Yankees options. The Yankees decided to move on from Anthony Rizzo era and needed a first baseman. But in addition to this, Aaron Judge turning 33 and still playing midfield. The Yankees know the risk of injury is high if they let Judge continue in center field. That means Bellinger could not only play first, but he could also play center for the Yankees.

It should be noted that Bellinger costs 27.5 million a year. That’s a lot of money for a team to do that go after players like Soto. However, Bellinger is 29 and would play with the Yankees for two years before becoming a free agent again. The Yankees already look like they’re all in Christian Walker; However, Bellinger is still a good option at first base and also in center.

A risk that costs a lot, but can also give a lot

Bellinger has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career. But when he’s healthy, he’s usually a good player. In 2017, Bellinger hit 39 homers with 97 RBI in 132 games; this was his first season. After an underwhelming 2018, Bellinger easily won the NL MVP after 47 homers, 115 RBI and a .305 average. In 2020, he once again performed underwhelmingly. 2021 was when Bellinger officially forgot how to play baseball with only ten home runs and a disgusting .165 average. In 2022, Bellinger performed better but was still mediocre overall. 2023, finally, saw him have the highest average of his career, along with an excellent power season. 2024, possibly Bellinger’s final season in Chicago, was more mediocre than anything else.

To sum up Bellinger’s career so far:

2017: 132 GP: 39 HR, 97 RBI, .267. NL Rookie of the Year

2018: 162 GP: 25 HR, 76 RBI, .260.

2019: 156 GP: 47 HR, 115 RBI, .305. NL MVP

2020: 56 GP: 12 HR, 30 RBI, .239.

2021: 95 GP: 10 HR, 36 RBI, 161. Career low home runs and avg.

2022: 144 GP: 19 HR, 68 RBI, .210.

2023: 130 GP, 26 HR, 97 RBI, .307. Career high average, first career 20/20 season.

2024: 130 GP, 18 HR, 78 RBI, .266.

Bellinger had an okay season in 2024. But the prime of his career may not be over yet. The 29-year-old can steal and hit for power when he is fully healthy. Bellinger is a risky trade, but it could be worth it for the Yankees.