The New York Yankees missed out on landing the top free agent this offseason, Juan Soto, who signed a historic deal with the Mets. However, the team remains active in bolstering its roster.
The Yankees have acquired All-Star reliever Devin Williams via trade and signed former Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried in free agency.
After returning to the World Series last season, the Yankees are aiming to maintain their upward trajectory and are reportedly negotiating to add another high-profile player.
MLB insider Hector Gomez reports that the New York Yankees are “deep into talks” with the Chicago Cubs regarding a potential trade for Cody Bellinger.
According to MLB insider Hector Gomez, the Yankees are pushing for the Chicago Cubs to cover at least $10 million of Cody Bellinger’s contract as part of trade negotiations. Bellinger, a former National League MVP, is under contract for at least $52 million over the next two years.
Bellinger earned NL MVP honors in 2019 with the Dodgers, hitting 47 home runs, driving in 115 runs, and achieving a stellar 1.035 OPS. He played a key role in helping the Dodgers secure a World Series title in 2020 during the pandemic-shortened season.
Following struggles in 2021 and 2022, the Dodgers opted not to re-sign him, leading Bellinger to join the Cubs in free agency. Now, he may find himself on the move again as the Yankees look to bolster their roster.
Cody Bellinger made a strong impression in his first season with the Cubs, earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award after hitting 26 home runs and driving in 97 runs. He also claimed a Silver Slugger award, his first since his MVP-winning 2019 season.
The Cubs may be open to trading Bellinger after acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros earlier this week.
If the Yankees can work out a mutually agreeable salary arrangement with the Cubs, they appear poised to bring Bellinger to New York. Having reached the World Series but missing out on Juan Soto, the Yankees are aiming to stay aggressive with major offseason moves to maintain their dominance in the American League.