The Cubs moved Cody Bellinger to the Yankees on Tuesday afternoon, clearing a logjam at right field and creating some payroll flexibility, too.

The deal, which includes a reported $5 million to the Yankees, clears approximately $25 million in 2025 and up to $22.5 million next season if Bellinger exercises his opt-in.

So, where does that leave the Cubs payroll situation heading into 2025?

Depending on which site you prefer to use, the Cubs’ 2025 payroll looks to be just under $200 million after the flurry of roster moves over the last few weeks that included adding a star outfielder in Kyle Tucker, a catcher in Carson Kelly and the subtraction of Bellinger, 2-time All-Star Isaac Paredes and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski.

[READ: Behind the Kyle Tucker trade: The timeline and why the Cubs took the gamble]

Fangraphs has the Cubs luxury tax number at $191 million. Cot’s Contracts has the number at $180 million and Spotrac has it at $176 million. Either way, it’s roughly $50 million below the first luxury tax threshold.

In 2024, the Cubs went just over that threshold and repeat offenders would face draft pick losses in addition to financial penalties. While the Cubs don’t publicize their yearly budget or spending plans, they would likely want to steer clear of that $241 million number in 2025 to avoid such penalties.

It’s important to remember, too, that the actual luxury tax numbers aren’t always public. Benefits worked into contracts (like hotel suites) are calculated at the end of the year and teams like to be under budget for that reason.

The Cubs — like other teams — also like to stay under whatever their budget is in case the team needs to make in-season additions. A mid-year trade for a veteran with $5 million left on their deal or a prospect that is promoted and spends most of the year in the majors can be big difference-makers at the end of the season.

If the Cubs really want to stay under, then you can pick an arbitrary number that keeps them well below the $241 million figure — like, say $20 million. That would allow them plenty of room to add some pitching options to fortify an area that the Cubs are clearly targeting.

As for next offseason, the figure — albeit incredibly early in the process — sits around the $130 million mark. That would seemingly be enough for an extension with Tucker or another star the Cubs could choose to target.

Regardless, the Cubs have created flexibility to continue to improve for 2025 and beyond.