Cubs-Yankees trade offers Chicago an opportunity to spoil Reds' 2025 NL Central hopes

The Chicago Cubs' busy offseason took another turn. The long-rumored trade between the Cubs and New York Yankees was finalized on Tuesday afternoon. Chicago sent Cody Bellinger to the Bronx in what will amount to little more than a salary dump. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs added an extra $5 million in cash in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet.

Last winter, Chicago tirelessly worked to re-sign Bellinger after an MVP-caliber season on the North Side. Bellinger's 2024 numbers, however, were nowhere close to what he put up in 2023. But Bellinger's contract allowed the former NL MVP to opt into the upcoming season at the costly price of $30 million. That (minus the $5 million-kicker) is now off the Cubs' books, and Chicago may not be done adding to their already impressive roster.

Cubs-Yankees trade offers Chicago an opportunity to spoil Reds' 2025 NL Central hopes

The Cubs have essentially replaced Bellinger with Kyle Tucker — who is arguably a much better player. Tucker was obtained last week from the Houston Astros in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, and Hayden Wesneski. The Cubbies are loading up for the 2025 season, and the Cincinnati Reds continue to fall behind.

Freeing up what amounts to $25 million will allow Chicago to go big-game hunting. Jed Hoyer could look to add a bat like Alex Bregman, Christian Walker, or Pete Alonso. Or, Chicago could turn their already dangerous starting rotation into the best in the National League by adding former Cy Young Award-winner Corbin Burnes. The right-hander previously pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers under current Cubs' skipper Craig Counsell.

The Reds, on the other hand, continue to wait out the market. Sure, the Reds added to their pitching depth by acquiring Brady Singer, but it cost Cincinnati one of the top hitters from last season. While Reds fans assume Matt McLain is going to be 100% healthy and Cincinnati won't miss a beat next season in terms of production from their second baseman, that remains to be seen.

Reds fans were excited when Terry Francona was hired to take over as the team's new manager, but even the Hall of Famer will have a hard time contending in the NL Central next season if the Cubs add a player like Burnes in free agency. It's time for Nick Krall to start making some calls. He should start with Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz in an effort to land Luis Robert Jr.

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