Cody Bellinger Is Holding Up the New York Yankees’ Entire Offseason
The New York Yankees have made a flurry of small signings this winter, but have yet to make a big splash that really changes their current roster. It seems the big moves will come when Cody Bellinger agrees to a new deal, which could be a long time from now. Bellinger is standing firm, commanding a six-year contract, and no team in Major League Baseball is willing to give him one.
What Are the Yankees Doing?
The answer is straightforward: the Yankees aren’t making moves because they’re overly confident and too invested in Bellinger. While Bellinger is a solid player, building the entire offseason around him is shortsighted, especially with other free agents like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker available, both of whom would bolster the lineup more than Bellinger could.
Acquiring Juan Soto from the Padres showed how pairing Aaron Judge with another elite hitter transforms the Yankees into a championship-caliber team. Brian Cashman must replicate that approach this offseason by landing a top-tier bat. He’s focused on adding right-handed hitters, making Bichette an ideal target, but his stubbornness may hinder progress. The organization’s unwavering faith in Anthony Volpe has already cost them key free agents, such as Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
If the Yankees pass on extending Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bichette could fill the long-term second base role, clearing a path for top prospect George Lombard Jr. to become the team’s new shortstop.
Bellinger’s Contract Will Be Terrible Regardless
Signing a player solely for their versatility often leads to contracts that age poorly. The Yankees brought in DJ LeMahieu for his on-base skills and defensive versatility, but now he’s out of a job and struggling with mobility. As for Bellinger, the Yankees shouldn’t offer more than a three-year deal, which is an offer he’s unlikely to accept.
Rather than waiting for Bellinger’s price to fall, the Yankees should consider targeting Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker. They have the financial flexibility, and the roster desperately needs an overhaul after last season’s humiliating exit in the Divisional Series against the Blue Jays. Aside from Bellinger, improvements are most likely to come on the pitching side, with Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai topping the list of available arms.
Imai’s signing window is closing fast, indicating limited market interest. If the Yankees miss out on Imai, they’ll likely shift their focus to high-end trade targets such as Freddy Peralta, Edward Cabrera, or Sandy Alcántara.
