This Yankees-Cubs trade will give New York a backup plan for All-Star Juan Soto.

The Chicago Cubs are still actively trying to move outfielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger is an above-average bat with defensive versatility to play both first base and the outfield. He should have plenty of suitors on the trade market, but his contract is so huge that some teams may not be willing to take on the entire contract.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently confirmed that this is all true.

“While rival executives say the Chicago Cubs are looking to trade first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, they also note the challenges the team would likely face in making such a move,” Rosenthal wrote. The Yankees have liked Bellinger, whose father Clay pitched for them from 1999 to 2001, in the past. Bellinger could seemingly be one of their options if they lose Soto and replace him with multiple players. returning somehow, you may have to give up an inflated contract or accept little prospects in the deal.”

With the New York Yankees being the best option, let’s look at a trade that would give both teams what they want.

For more news and rumors, check out the work of MLB insider Robert Murray. Baseball Insiders Podcastsubscribe to Moonshotour weekly MLB newsletter, and join the discord to get the latest information leading up to the MLB offseason.

New York has a contract they want out of. Marcus Stroman is being paid $18 million in 2025 and has an $18 million option in 2026. He is familiar with the Cubs and could be a “bloated signing” that Chicago takes back in the Bellinger deal.

Obviously, a one-for-one move won’t quite work, but if the Yankees give up a prospect or two, they could pull off a trade and bring their ideal reliever to the Bronx.

Bellinger in stripes would be perfect. First and foremost, he would be a great backup plan for Soto if the Yankees are unable to re-sign their superstar. But even if the Yankees sign Soto, Bellinger would be a huge plus. Why? Because of his ability to play first base. The Yankees recently allowed Anthony Rizzo to become a free agent, leaving a huge hole at first base. Acquiring Bellinger would give Aaron Boone an everyday first baseman as well as a fourth outfielder.

As for the Cubs, they receive a contract worth about $30 million for the next two seasons and add a contract worth about $20 million each of the next two years, assuming Stroman pitches 140 innings in 2025, leading to entry by virtue of his option to transfer rights. .

They also added two top 30 prospects from the New York farm system: pitchers Brock Selvage and Tristan Vrieling. Selvage is a 22-year-old left-hander who has shown promise in his four-year professional career. He holds a sub-4.00 ERA in 258.2 career innings. Vrieling is on a different floor than Selvidge. He is 24 years old and has only played professional football for one year.