MLB: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta Braves - Source: Imagn

The Chicago Cubs traded Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees for cash. The former MVP brings a lot of versatility to the team, which the Yankees could use during his stay in the Bronx.

On his presentation as a Yankee in Thursday’s video conference call with SNY TV, Bellinger opened up about his discussions with manager Aaron Boone. He said he met with the skipper and discussed the probable positions he could take on the field.


 

“[I told Boone] Where y’all need me to play I’ll play,” Bellinger said. “Whether it’s left, center, [Aaron][ Judge gets a DH day I’ll play right. Or if you need me at first base I’ll play first. It helps the teams that I’m on win and I enjoy doing that.”

The Yankees needed an outfield and a first base at-bat this offseason after they failed to re-sign Juan Soto and let go of players like Alex Verdugo, corner outfielder, and Anthony Rizzo, 1B.

Originally an outfielder, Bellinger has learned to play in the diamond. He spent the most time in center field, earning a Gold Glove award in that position in 2019.

The Yankees are still in the market for corner infielders like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman. If they fail to sign any of them, they could pivot to Bellinger playing as their first baseman. To add depth in the outfield, they have also pushed for Teoscar Hernandez, which will then become a priority.

Brian Cashman confirms Cody Bellinger’s interest in signing with Yankees

During the call, Cody Bellinger also said he had asked for the trade to be finalized from Chicago. He was elated to feature for the iconic pinstripes, which also happened to be the former club of his father, Clay Bellinger.

This was confirmed by Brian Cashman who spoke in an exclusive interview about the trade with YES Network.

“He’s someone that wants to be here,” Cashman said. “I’ve been hearing it for a long time, including his agent Scott Boras saying, ‘Can you get him over here? He’s driving me crazy. He wants to be a Yankee.’ That’s not why I did it; ultimately, I did it because it’s a fit.”

Bellinger is expected to earn $52.5 million if he spends two seasons with the Yankees. The Cubs will pay $5 million of that fee, which may rise to $7.5 million if he opts out after the first year.