The New York Yankees could have a surprising move under their belts.
New York has continued to show interest in Cody Bellinger, but the star outfielder has interest from other teams. If Bellinger does sign elsewhere, it would be a big blow to the Yankees’ offseason.
If Bellinger does walk in free agency, Yankees insider Bryan Hoch of MLB.com predicted the team will make a significant trade.
“The Yankees have been loud about their desire to re-sign Cody Bellinger, but given how the market is developing, it looks like they’ll have plenty of competition (including across town from the Mets),” Hoch wrote.
“Given Hal Steinbrenner’s recent comments about it being “ideal” to trim payroll, it’s fair to question if the Yanks will have the high bid for Bellinger. No matter how fine a fit he seemed. Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are the in-house candidates. But don’t be shocked if the Yanks pivot to a significant trade if Bellinger comes off the board.”
What the significant trade would be is uncertain, but it would have to be for a bat to replace the production of Bellinger.
In Bellinger’s potentially lone season with the Yankees, he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs.
Yankees Reportedly Make Second Offer to Bellinger
New York’s primary offseason focus is re-signing Bellinger.
Bellinger fit well in the Bronx, and the team has submitted another offer to him, according to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
“The pinstripe offseason slumber could be nearing a conclusion,” Sherman wrote. “The Yankees are in conversations with the Marlins about starter Edward Cabrera. Sources have independently told colleague Jon Heyman and me, confirming a report from The Athletic.
“I also learned the Yankees have made a second offer to Cody Bellinger. Why do I think these two items might be interconnected? Because if the Yankees know they will bring Cody Bellinger back to mainly play left field with Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right, then it makes it easier for the Yankees to include Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones in a trade.”
What the terms of the contract are is uncertain, but it’s clear New York is trying to bring Bellinger back. And, if they do, it could very well lead to Jones or Domínguez being traded.
New York Discussing Potential Blockbuster
The Yankees have had a quiet offseason as the team hinted at lowering its payroll.
MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic linked New York to trading for Miami Marlins star pitcher Edward Cabrera.
“With uncertainty surrounding their starting rotation to begin the season, the New York Yankees are talking to the Miami Marlins about a potential trade for starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, league sources told The Athletic,” the insiders wrote. “Cabrera, 27, is under team control through the 2028 season. He’s projected to earn $3.7 million in arbitration this year, according to MLB Trade Rumors. As of Sunday morning, no deal was close.”
Cabrera would help bolster the Yankees’ rotation, but so far, a deal hasn’t happened.
Yankees Predicted to Make ‘Significant Trade’ Should Cody Bellinger Walk