Although the New York Yankees are busy pursuing free agent outfielder Juan Soto, general manager Brian Cashman has other pressing roster needs to address. Could he try to swing a trade with the Chicago Cubs for outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and second baseman Nico Hoerner?
Bellinger has been linked to the Yankees several times in recent years because his skills would translate well to the Bronx. If New York needs another outfielder, he can play one of those positions. But even if the Yankees don't, the 2019 National League MVP Award winner could shift to the infield to become the club's everyday first baseman.
Hoerner could be useful for manager Aaron Boone if the Bombers feel comfortable keeping Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base. He'd bring solid defense with him, evidenced by winning a Gold Glove Award in 2023. While Hoerner isn't a huge offensive threat, he's consistent. The right-handed hitter has slashed .279/.337/.387 while averaging 31 steals and 81 runs scored since 2022.
If the Yankees wanted to pry both players from the Cubs, what could it take? The following hypothetical trade proposal was shared during SNY's Baseball Night in New York show on Thursday:
- Yankees receive: outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and second baseman Nico Hoerner
- Cubs receive: outfielder Spencer Jones, right-handed pitcher Will Warren and right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman
Bellinger is entering his second season of a three-year, $80 million deal but can opt out and test free agency next winter. Hoerner is entering his second season of a three-year, $35 million deal.
While Bellinger and Hoerner would fill two needs for the Yankees, this feels like a steep price for two short-term additions. Jones (second) and Warren (fifth) are both top five prospects in New York's system, according to MLB.com.
