The New York Yankees’ offseason strategy may hinge on the future of outfielder . Regardless of where the 26-year-old lands, general manager faces a busy winter checklist. Could one item involve pursuing outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger in a trade? The two-time Silver Slugger, currently with the Chicago Cubs, signed a one-year deal for 2023 and later inked a three-year, $80 million contract with opt-out options after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, Bellinger opted to remain with the Cubs for 2024, hitting .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs, 23 doubles, 78 RBIs, and 72 runs in 569 plate appearances this past season.
The Yankees could still explore a trade for Bellinger if Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer decides to deal him. According to Joel Sherman of the *New York Post*, Bellinger would fit the Yankees’ roster needs. Even if Cashman secures Soto for the long term, New York still requires an additional outfielder and a first baseman.
Bellinger is versatile, with experience at all three outfield spots, most frequently in center field. His presence in the Bronx would allow Aaron Judge to shift to a corner outfield role. Alternatively, Bellinger could fill the first-base vacancy left by New York declining Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 option. The Yankees have reportedly been interested in Bellinger in the past, considering him as a trade candidate at the 2023 and 2024 deadlines and as a top free-agent target before acquiring Soto. This offseason could be the moment for a deal—if the Cubs are willing to part ways with him.
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