Yankees introduce Max Fried — Photo courtesy of Jonna Perlinger

December 17, 2024

Bronx Bombers Reload: Land Former MVP Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger , Devin Williams , Juan Soto , Max Fried , MLB , New York Yankees , Yankees

The New York Yankees have made a pivotal move by acquiring Cody Bellinger, an outfielder and first baseman, from the Chicago Cubs. In return, the Yankees sent right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to the Cubs, who also contributed $5 million to help cover Bellinger’s remaining salary.

This trade carries a nostalgic element, as Cody Bellinger now follows in the footsteps of his father, Clay Bellinger, who played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001. Clay was part of two World Series-winning teams during his time in New York, who much like his son Cody, provided versatility across several positions.

With this move, Cody and Clay Bellinger become just the fourth father-son duo to play for the Yankees, joining the ranks of Yogi and Dale Berra, Ron and Ike Davis, and Mark Leiter Sr. and Jr.

The prophecy has been fulfilled 🙏

Welcome to the Bronx, Cody👊#Yankees pic.twitter.com/ZLbpnKhMQV

— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) December 17, 2024

Cody Bellinger, a former National League MVP, enjoyed a resurgence with the Cubs in 2023, hitting .307 with 26 home runs. In 2024, he continued to deliver solid numbers, batting .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games. His addition fills a critical gap in the Yankees’ lineup, addressing their need for a left-handed bat and adding defensive flexibility. Bellinger’s ability to play both center field and first base gives the team multiple options for lineup adjustments, especially following the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets.

The Yankees’ offseason has been eventful, marked by both setbacks and aggressive rebuilding efforts. Losing out on Juan Soto, who signed with the crosstown rival Mets, was a significant blow to their plans to add a generational left-handed bat. However, the team quickly pivoted, not only securing Bellinger but also enhancing their pitching rotation by acquiring ace left-hander Max Fried from the Atlanta Braves and elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.

With these big moves—plus Bellinger’s solid bat and defensive versatility—the Yankees are shaping up to be serious contenders for the 2025 season. Sure, missing out on Soto stung, but the front office has shown they’re not messing around. And don’t think they’re done yet—the Yankees still have their sights set on adding a corner infielder to round out the roster. It’s clear they’re all in on building a team equipped to make another run at a World Series berth.

About the Author

Jonna Perlinger

Social Media Director, Baseball Content Lead, New York Yankees Lead Writer

Jonna Perlinger is a lifelong Yankees fan with pinstripes in her veins and a storyteller’s heart for the game of baseball. Her love for the sport began at birth, but truly ignited at age six when she was handed a broken bat by Buck Showalter – just before the Yankees’ 90s dynasty took off. Since then, she’s been captivated not only by the game on the field, but by the history, emotion, and stories that live within it.

Jonna brings that passion to her role with On New Jersey Sports, where she covers the Yankees and contributes baseball content with a voice rooted in nostalgia, storytelling, and deep appreciation for the sport’s legacy. After volunteering at MLB All-Star Week in 2021, she turned her lifelong love of baseball into a career in sports media and hasn’t looked back.

She is also the founder of Babe’s Babes Media, a platform dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in baseball, and she proudly carries her Omaha roots into her work, covering the College World Series – the “Greatest Show on Dirt.”

Most recently, Jonna was credentialed for the MLB Winter Meetings, and she continues to cover the sport at every level – including the reigning Big East Champion Creighton Bluejays in 2026.