The story of final offseason was how the Yankees would pivot from dropping Juan Soto. Coming into this winter, the Yankees’ braintrust is inquisitive about bringing again the central piece of their ‘Plan B.’
Cody Bellinger had a powerful 2025 for the Bombers, establishing a pleasant payday for the veteran. The 29-year-old opted out of his contract to turn into a free agent and the Yankees are anticipated to be among the many suitors.
“He was an impact player for us,” GM Brian Cashman mentioned on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. “I’m glad we acquired him, and we actually count on him to decide out.
“We haven’t gotten to those conversations yet. … He was really impactful for us. He was one of the many reasons why we were in a position to believe that we were capable of great things this year. I thank him for everything he’s done.”
Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers, 98 RBI and 12 stolen bases however didn’t precisely gentle the world on hearth in October, going 6-for-28.
The versatile Bellinger performed all three outfield positions in addition to logging some innings at first base. Whereas Cashman expressed curiosity in bringing him again to the Bronx, he acknowledged that these conversations together with his agent have but to start.
“Certainly would love to have him with our team moving forward, but we haven’t had any of those discussions,” mentioned Cashman. “I haven’t had any conversations with Scott Boras. Bouquets his way, without a doubt. He helped us on both sides of the ball, he’s a versatile player, and he was great in our clubhouse.”
Bellinger joins Kyle Tucker on the high of the market as he’s anticipated to internet the second-richest contract amongst outfielders this offseason.
Bellinger’s 2025 teammate Trent Grisham can be anticipated to hit the market — though the Yankees have a call to make relating to the qualifying provide. Nonetheless, it stays tough to see a world the place each return with the Yanks, with workforce brass stating Jasson Dominguez and prospect Spencer Jones are deserving probabilities subsequent season.
Supervisor Aaron Boone acknowledged Dominguez is predicted to play “regularly,” and Cashman added that Jones has earned his alternative to turn into an on a regular basis MLB participant.
