The New York Yankees have been in negotiations with the Chicago Cubs to acquire Cody Bellinger, but ongoing financial disagreements are hindering the deal.
Reports earlier this week indicated that the two teams remain about $10 million apart on how to split the remaining two years and $52 million of Bellinger’s contract. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the trade is largely stalled, with the outcome dependent on which team is willing to make the first concession.
Heyman noted that while a trade is still possible, the Yankees are also considering other first-base options, such as Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, Josh Naylor, and Nathaniel Lowe. The Yankees were previously among the frontrunners to land Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros before he was traded to the Cubs, which could further affect the leverage in the Bellinger talks.
Acquiring Bellinger would help the Yankees address their first-base dilemma, but his ability to play outfield adds extra value to the potential deal. Given the available alternatives on the market, it seems likely that the stalemate could continue as both sides weigh their options.
