Chicago Cubs “not done yet” as they trade big in the off season

The Chicago Cubs have been shaking things up this offseason, making significant trades to reshape their roster. On Tuesday, they traded outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. Additionally, they sent catcher Matt Thaiss to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.

Cody Bellinger, a 29-year-old former National League MVP, joined the Cubs in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite. In his first season with Chicago, he posted impressive numbers, batting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, earning him the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.

However, his performance dipped in 2024, with his batting average falling to .266, along with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. Despite the decline, Bellinger’s versatility in the outfield and at first base made him a valuable asset. His move to the Yankees reunites him with a family legacy, as his father, Clay Bellinger, played for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001.

In return, the Cubs acquired Cody Poteet, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher with experience as both a starter and reliever. Poteet has a career ERA of 3.80 over 83 Major League innings, having played for the Miami Marlins and the Yankees since 2021. In the 2024 season, he posted a 2.22 ERA over five appearances with the Yankees, demonstrating his potential to strengthen the Cubs' pitching staff.

The trade also involved financial considerations, with the Cubs sending $5 million to the Yankees to offset Bellinger’s remaining contract. Bellinger is set to earn $27.5 million in 2025 and holds a player option for 2026 at $25 million, with a $5 million buyout.

In a separate move, the Cubs traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the White Sox for cash considerations. Thaiss, 29, was acquired by the Cubs from the Los Angeles Angels in November 2024 but found himself lower on the depth chart following the Cubs' signing of catcher Carson Kelly to a two-year deal. Thaiss has shown versatility, with experience at both catcher and first base, and will provide the White Sox with additional depth behind the plate.

These trades reflect the Cubs' strategic efforts to balance their roster and address specific needs. By acquiring Poteet, they add depth to their pitching rotation, while moving Bellinger alleviates the surplus in the outfield, especially after the recent addition of All-Star Kyle Tucker. The trade of Thaiss further streamlines their catching options, indicating a clear direction for the team’s future lineup.

As the offseason progresses, the Cubs' front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, remains active in exploring opportunities to enhance the team’s competitiveness for the upcoming season. Addressing his crowded outfield on Tuesday, Hoyer told reporters that, “We’re not done yet.” So it looks like fans can anticipate further moves as the Cubs continue to refine their roster in pursuit of success.

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