Yankees trade Marcus Stroman for former MVP in $80 million deal in three-team trade offer

The New York Yankees are spending most of their time re-signing outfielder Juan Soto. However, general manager Brian Cashman must fill several holes on the roster after reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009. Could he find a way to bring Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger to the Bronx?

With Bellinger surprisingly opting out of his $27.5 million 2025 salary, the Cubs appear determined to send him out of town after two years in Chicago. He slashed .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs, 23 doubles, 78 RBI and 72 runs scored in 569 plate appearances in 2024.

The 2019 National League MVP Award winner has been linked as a potential candidate for the Yankees several times in recent years. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman thinks Bellinger should wear pinstripes regardless of where Soto ends up. He provided an example of a three-team trade that would result in starting player Marcus Stroman losing his $18 million salary and bringing Bellinger to New York.

“The Yanks are sending Stroman to the (San Francisco) Giants, who were interested in him last year, San Francisco is trading Taylor Rogers to the Cubs, who would save a lot in 2025 and possibly all of 2026 by sending Bellinger to the Bronx .” Sherman wrote.

Stroman posted a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 154 2/3 innings in his first year with the Yankees. He played no role during New York’s run to the Fall Classic, as he did not appear at all in the postseason. He may not play a big role in the club’s plans for the immediate future as they are in contact with top free agent hurlers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.

Bellinger is entering the second season of a three-year, $80 million contract. He can opt out and test free agency again next winter. Landing the left-handed slugger would give the Yankees an immediate and short-term solution at first base.

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