After the New York Yankees lost Juan Soto, they needed to pivot quickly. The team’s target next was Kyle Tucker—he’s a powerful bat and was the perfect replacement for Juan Soto. According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees were looking forward to a trade with the Houston Astros but got a major blow when even this dream didn’t work. The star outfielder went elsewhere, and Jeff Passan broke the news.

“BREAKING: The Chicago Cubs have acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, sources tell ESPN. Deal is done,” Passan wrote. So, what’s next for the Bronx team? Well, now, they are looking for another big name—Cody Bellinger. With the Cubs already getting a big pocket game player like Kyle Tucker, they might want to let go of Bellinger. Jon Heyman is back again, affirming that there are indeed trade talks with the Chicago Cubs and Yankees over the former MVP.

Missing out on Juan Soto first and then Tucker might be awful for the New York Yankees. However, given that the Astros were looking into the Yankees’ Luis Gil for a trade, it was the major reason the deal didn’t come to be. But they have pivoted rather quickly to Cody Bellinger, which makes sense because the outfielder could give more balance to the lineup. Jon Heyman mentioned, “This guy is perfect for the Yankees and perfect for Yankee Stadium.”

Bellinger is a left-handed bat, and he has been good on big-market teams like Chicago and LA. Plus, he is versatile and can play center and play first—Heyman claimed he would be surprised, or rather “shocked,” if Cody Bellinger isn’t traded. He further noted that it would be a “mild surprise if it’s not the Yankees” who secure this deal. As far as the timing of this deal, it will be done sooner than later; in fact, it could be tomorrow!

Yankees and Cubs lock horns over $52M for Cody Bellinger

If Cody Bellinger is so great for the New York Yankees, doesn’t it make more sense for them to lock him in soon? Well, it’s complicated since the Yankees and the Cubs are stuck in a financial deadlock. The issue is the $54 million left of Bellinger’s contract; the Cubs want another team to take on the major share of the remaining salary—the two sides are $10 million apart, hence the delay to this perfect deal. Heyman weighed in on the situation, adding, “Last night, they were still somewhat apart, but the Cubs must have motivation now—they’ve gotten Tucker.”

Acquiring Kyle Tucker means, on one hand, the Cubs have strengthened their lineup. However, on the other hand, they are forced to reassess the roster and reduce some of their payroll. The Yankees need this deal done because they need that offensive firepower after missing out on the bigger names this off-season. Heyman believes this deal is possible and is in the process of happening. Whether the Cubs budge on Bellinger’s salary or the Yankees sweeten the deal, one thing is clear: for both teams, this trade is too important for either to walk away.

Do you think Cody Bellinger would be in the Bronx? Let us know below.