Yankees Pursue Cody Bellinger as Offseason Priorities Intensify

UPDATE: The New York Yankees have officially confirmed their intent to re-sign outfielder Cody Bellinger, making him a top priority this offseason. Brian Cashman, Yankees general manager, stated during a press conference from Las Vegas that the team is “very interested” in bringing Bellinger back as free agency heats up.

The Yankees are in a critical position following a successful season where they secured 94 wins but fell short in the postseason, eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Division Series. With the hot stove season officially underway, Cashman acknowledged the urgency of retaining Bellinger, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after players on the market.

Bellinger, who opted out of the final year of his three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, is projected to sign a lucrative deal, with estimates suggesting a potential six-year, $165 million contract. His standout performance in the Bronx was highlighted by a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and an impressive .813 OPS across 152 games.

“His dynamic play fits perfectly with our team,” Cashman remarked, underlining Bellinger’s pivotal role in the Yankees’ lineup. Bellinger excelled particularly against left-handed pitchers, leading all left-handed hitters with a .415 on-base percentage and a .601 slugging percentage, showcasing his offensive prowess.

The Yankees acquired Bellinger last December from the Cubs in a strategic move after Juan Soto opted to sign with the New York Mets. This offseason, the Yankees face tough competition as Bellinger attracts attention from multiple franchises eager to secure his talents.

Bellinger’s defensive skills also contributed significantly, making him an asset in corner outfield positions and first base, with a strong defensive rating despite a slight dip in center field performance. His all-around abilities yielded a 4.9 fWAR, ranking him among the top players in the league.

In addition to Bellinger, the Yankees are also eyeing Trent Grisham, another key outfielder who has a deadline of November 18 to accept a one-year qualifying offer worth $22.025 million. Should Grisham decline and enter free agency, it could pave the way for even more strategic moves from the Yankees.

“We’re looking at all options,” Cashman stated, indicating that pursuing both Bellinger and Grisham remains a possibility. “If we can retain Bellinger, it would significantly enhance our lineup. But if that doesn’t happen, we’ll explore alternatives.”

As the offseason unfolds, the Yankees are feeling the pressure to solidify their roster for a championship run in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as negotiations progress and decisions are made.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Yankees navigate the complexities of free agency and aim to bolster their roster for the 2026 season.