This piece is part of our Hot Stove Takes series, where staff members give quick reactions to the latest notable MLB transactions. Below are our thoughts on the Chicago Cubs trading Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet
Tom Verducci: The Yankees’ Plan B after missing out on Juan Soto just got even better. By stealing Cody Bellinger in a salary dump from the Cubs, New York solved its two biggest needs with one player: a center fielder who allows Aaron Judge to move out of that demanding spot and a left-handed power bat to complement Judge’s right-handed thunder.
