New York Yankees fans can breathe easier after the franchise finally re-signed Cody Bellinger following months of MLB rumors amid the lengthy negotiations. Now, the attention turns to the next move the Yankees could make.
It appears New York tried to land another big fish to bolster their pitching, but the chances of this happening are unlikely. The Yankees explored a potential blockbuster trade for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal but ultimately balked at the asking price, per New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
Additionally, the Yankees kicked the tires on a deal for Freddy Peralta before the team’s crosstown rival New York Mets acquired the pitcher.
“The Yankees get back ace pitcher Gerrit Cole sometime in the first half, they have wunderkind Cam Schlittler for the entire season and should see Clarke Schmidt for the stretch drive,” Heyman wrote in a January 21, 2026, story titled, “Yankees’ inconspicuous offseason needed this Cody Bellinger finishing touch.”
“They did recently check in with star free agent Framber Valdez, though the need seems much greater in Queens, and they called upon star starters Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta, learning that Skubal would likely cost ‘half our team,’ and the initial asking price was higher than their liking for Peralta, too.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Yankees rumors.
Yankees Rumors: New York Explored a Blockbuster Trade for Tigers SP Tarik Skubal
Skubal would look good wearing pinstripes, but so far New York appears unwilling to meet the Tigers’ asking price. Detroit is going through arbitration over Skubal’s salary.
Skubal’s representation submitted $32 million while Detroit’s figure was $19 million for 2026, per Spotrac. Regardless, Skubal is eventually headed towards a lucrative deal in the future.
Spotrac projects Skubal’s market value is an eight-year, $299 million contract. Not only would the Yankees need to pay a premium to acquire Skubal, the club would also need to be prepared to sign Skubal to a massive contract in the future.
Yankees Star Cody Bellinger Gets Raise Thanks to $162 Million Contract
After months of posturing, Bellinger agreed to terms on a five-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees. It is a raise from his previous three-year, $80 million deal that Bellinger opted out from to hit MLB free agency.
With stars like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette off the board, all signs pointed to the Yankees re-signing Bellinger. It is still good news for New York to finally get the deal across the finish line.
What Is the Yankees’ Next Move After Re-Signing Cody Bellinger?
Skubal and Peralta may be out of the picture for now, but this does not mean that the Yankees have to fold their hand. What moves could New York make now that Bellinger is re-signed?
One potential trade candidate is Jasson Dominguez now that Bellinger is back in Gotham City. New York could still keep Dominguez to begin the season and float the touted player as a trade option at the deadline.
“Jasson Domínguez is now a man without a position for the foreseeable future,” The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner detailed in a January 21, article titled, “With Cody Bellinger back in fold, Yankees’ next target should be Freddy Peralta.” “The organization does not view him as a center fielder, and that’s the only spot in the Yankees’ outfield that could have a vacancy at the end of the season, with Trent Grisham on a one-year contract.
“Giancarlo Stanton is under contract for two more seasons as the team’s designated hitter, but he hasn’t played close to a full season since his first in the Bronx eight years ago. So plenty of at-bats will likely be available if the Yankees choose to keep Domínguez.”
Yankees Dealt News on Trade Push for Likely $299 Million Star Amid Cody Bellinger Move