Cubs Trade Bellinger To Yankees After Acquiring Tucker

CHICAGO — Following last week's acquisition of All-Star Justin Tucker, the Chicago Cubs moved a popular outfielder out of town. The team announced Wednesday it had traded former National League MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees along with cash for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet.

Bellinger, 29, became expendable after the Cubs traded Isacc Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros on Friday for Tucker. Bellinger spent two seasons with Chicago, being named MLB Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. He hit .266 with 18 home runs, 78 RBI in 130 games for the Cubs last season.

In another move Tuesday, the club moved catcher Matt Thaiss to the White Sox for cash. Chicago had just acquired Thaiss from the Angels in November for cash, but he was forced down the depth chart when the Cubs signed catcher Carson Kelly to a two-year deal, reports Adam McCalvy at mlb.com.