What would Yankees' batting lineup look like at the top if they manage to get Cody Bellinger amid trade rumors ft. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton

Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger decided to stay in Chicago for the 2025 season. He exercised his $27.5 million player option right after the regular season came to an end.

However, that does not mean he cannot be on the move ahead of the 2025 season. Trade talks have started to intensify between the Cubbies and interested parties.

One team to watch out for is the New York Yankees. They have a hole in the outfield with Juan Soto now with the New York Mets and Alex Verdugo as a free agent. They also have a hole at first base with Anthony Rizzo on the open market.

Bellinger would be a great addition to the lineup. According to The Athletic's Brendan Kuty, this is what the Bronx Bombers' lineup could look like with the addition of the 2019 NL MVP.

1. Anthony Volpe
2. Cody Bellinger
3. Aaron Judge
4. Austin Wells
5. Giancarlo Stanton
6. Jazz Chisholm
7. Christian Walker
8. Jasson Dominguez
9. Oswald Peraza

In addition to the Yanks acquiring Bellinger, Kuty also sees them going after Christian Walker. The Arizona Diamondbacks' first baseman has been stellar over the last few years and would be an upgrade at the position.

Money is holding up the Yankees' Cody Bellinger deal

New York Yankees' Trade Target - C. Bellinger (Photo via IMAGN)

The talks between the Yankees and Cody Bellinger have consistently heated up this winter. However, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the two sides are far apart on the money side of things.

The problem comes with how much money the Cubs would eat in a potential trade. According to the insider Jon Heyman, Chicago wants the Bombers to take the remaining $52.2 million left on his contract. It will be interesting to see if either team budges as more and more elite free agents come off the board.