Cubs Discussing Yankees No. 5 Prospect in Cody Bellinger Trade Talks

All right, so we have another update on the ongoing trade talks between the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. Earlier today, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the Cubs were now willing to include money in a Cody Bellinger trade to the Yankees. Now, according to Yankees on SI, the two teams have discussed Yankees No. 5 prospect Will Warren.

The 25-year-old starting pitcher made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2024. The righty struggled in six total appearances, recording a 10.32 ERA in 22.2 innings. An extremely small size for Warren, who has previously been ranked as a top-100 prospect in baseball. The right-handed pitcher has gone up and down in rankings in New York’s farm system, positioned between No. 5-10.

Pat Ragazzo reports that the Yankees have made Warren available in trade talks with the Cubs.

Sources: Yankees and Cubs have discussed No. 5 prospect RHP Will Warren in Cody Bellinger trade talks

NYY has made Warren available as they search for OF helphttps://t.co/koZ4vbQP9A

— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) December 12, 2024

This doesn’t mean Warren is guaranteed to be part of a Bellinger trade, but the Yankees are obviously open to dealing him. He’s just one player that has been tossed around.

Via Pat Ragazzo.

The Yankees are engaged in talks surrounding Bellinger and one name that has been brought up is New York’s No. 5 prospect in righty pitcher Will Warren, as sources told Yankees On SI.

Warren is being made available in the Yankees’ quest to look for outfield help on the trade market, but a deal with Chicago or other teams would likely require additional pieces in a potential package.

The ERA obviously looks bad and Warren also struggled at Triple-A in 2024, posting a 5.91 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 23 starts. However, the righty does strike out a lot of batters, carrying a 28% strikeout rate at Triple-A this past season and despite the struggles in the majors, Warren punched out 29 batters in 22.2 innings.

We’ll see what comes from these rumors, but it feels like the Cubs and Yankees could be nearing a deal.