The New York Yankees’ interest in Cody Bellinger, the former National League MVP, has resurfaced this winter as they explore potential upgrades to their roster. According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees are actively pursuing a first baseman, a role Bellinger could fill despite primarily playing in the outfield throughout his career. This pursuit aligns with owner Hal Steinbrenner’s need to bolster the roster following the team’s 2024 World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger’s contract situation and trade possibility
Cody Bellinger, 29, opted into the second year of his three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs this offseason. The contract includes player options, and despite speculation that he might test free agency, Bellinger chose to remain under contract, likely seeing his $27.5 million salary for 2025 as more secure than what the open market might offer. His decision could make him a potential trade candidate for the Yankees, as the Cubs may consider offloading his contract in exchange for prospects.
While The Athletic notes the Yankees’ potential interest, a trade would not come without challenges. The Cubs, if willing to part ways with Cody Bellinger, would likely demand significant prospects in return. For the Yankees, this raises questions about the wisdom of trading assets for a player they could have pursued in free agency just a year earlier, particularly when Bellinger could still become a short-term rental.
The appeal of Cody Bellinger’s skill set
Cody Bellinger’s left-handed bat and defensive versatility make him a compelling fit for the Yankees. Offensively, his 43% pull rate in 2024 suggests he could thrive with Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch. Despite a decline in production last season—18 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .751 OPS—Bellinger’s bat could provide balance to a lineup that often struggled to find consistency. In comparison, his 2023 campaign with the Cubs was markedly stronger, as he hit 26 home runs, drove in 97 RBIs, and posted an .881 OPS.
Defensively, Cody Bellinger’s ability to play center field would allow the Yankees to shift Aaron Judge back to his natural position in right field, reducing the physical demands on their franchise player. This flexibility is especially appealing as the Yankees look to improve their defensive alignment heading into 2025.
First base woes push Yankees to explore options
The Yankees’ 2024 season highlighted a glaring need at first base. Anthony Rizzo, DJ LeMahieu, Ben Rice, and Oswaldo Cabrera combined for a .335 slugging percentage and a .691 OPS at the position, ranking near the bottom of the American League. The team’s decision not to exercise Rizzo’s contract option following the season signaled their intent to pursue a significant upgrade at first base.
Adding power to the lineup has become even more urgent with the uncertainty surrounding Juan Soto’s future. Soto, who smashed 41 home runs in his debut season with the Yankees, is expected to command a historic free-agent contract worth over $600 million. The Yankees face stiff competition from the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets in their bid to retain the slugging outfielder. Whether Soto stays or departs, the Yankees’ need for a left-handed power bat like Bellinger’s remains clear.
Family ties and historical parallels
Cody Bellinger’s potential move to the Bronx carries a layer of nostalgia. His father, Clay Bellinger, was a member of the Yankees during their championship runs from 1999 to 2001. While sentimental value alone won’t drive a deal, it adds an intriguing subplot to the Yankees’ pursuit of the younger Bellinger.
According to Brendan Kuty’s words, the Yankees’ current offseason approach also draws parallels to their response to losing Robinson Cano in 2013. After Cano signed a lucrative deal with the Seattle Mariners, the Yankees countered by signing a quartet of star players: Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, and Carlos Beltran. A similar strategy of acquiring multiple high-impact players could define their moves this winter as Steinbrenner faces pressure to field a World Series-caliber team.
“If the New York Yankees don’t sign Juan Soto, they won’t be in a position to mess around. Owner Hal Steinbrenner will be immediately under fire to add enough high-quality players to make fans believe they have a chance at reaching the World Series for the second straight season. It’s what the Yankees did the last time they didn’t re-sign a high-profile free agent,” Brendan Kuty wrote in his daily article this Tuesday morning.
Cody Bellinger’s short-term contract and potential upside make him a logical target for a Yankees team aiming to contend in 2025. However, the path to acquiring him is fraught with complications. The Yankees must weigh the cost of surrendering prospects against the potential impact of adding a proven player with MVP credentials.
As the Yankees evaluate their roster and offseason priorities, Cody Bellinger’s name remains one to watch. Whether as a solution at first base, an outfield upgrade, or a combination of both, Bellinger could provide the spark the Yankees need to reclaim their championship aspirations.
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