The New York Yankees continue to be the kings of showing interest in every player in Major League Baseball. Per Pat Ragazzo, the Yankees reached out to the Chicago Cubs about Infielder Nico Hoerner after the Alex Bregman signing and have a legitimate interest in the star infielder.
Yankees Interested In Hoerner
As the Yankees explore alternatives to Bellinger, Hoerner could emerge as one of the trade market’s premier targets if the Cubs make him available. With Bregman now at third base, Matt Shaw could slide into the everyday second baseman role, allowing Chicago to trade Hoerner, who’s in his contract year, for a significant return.
Brian Cashman has made it clear he’s looking to balance the lineup with more right-handed hitters, and Hoerner is elite from the right side. Beyond his above-average bat, he’s an elite baserunner who consistently steals at least 25 bases per season. Shortstop has been a glaring weakness since Derek Jeter retired, and Hoerner would be the Yankees’ best at the position since then, and that’s not an exaggeration.
Acquiring Hoerner would require a significant package, likely including multiple top prospects from their farm system. Outside of Bo Bichette, few right-handed bats are available who can get on base and produce at Hoerner’s level. With Cashman seeking his first World Series since 2009, the time to go all-in and build a championship roster around Aaron Judge is now, not three to five years from now.
Yankees Still Talking With Bellinger
Beyond their interest in Hoerner, they remain focused on Cody Bellinger. Their latest offer reportedly stands at five years, $150-160 million. Scott Boras and Bellinger continue pushing for a seven-year deal with higher annual value, creating a stalemate as Spring Training approaches. Despite connections to other free agents, Bellinger remains the top priority this winter.
Cashman faces significant work ahead, with the roster weakening since season’s end. Even adding Bellinger won’t be enough. After their embarrassing Divisional Series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees need substantial talent upgrades to compete in 2026. Despite connections to numerous players, the franchise has yet to make its defining move.
Conclusion
Bellinger’s decision and the New York Yankees’ next significant move remain uncertain. However, time is running out, and someone will need to act soon. With Bregman now signed, the market could finally thaw after a two-month freeze. Starting pitchers remain available, with only Edward Cabrera and Sonny Gray moved so far, presenting another potential avenue for the Yankees.
The Yankees have been linked to MacKenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta as they seek to strengthen their starting rotation. The likely holdup: uncertainty around Bellinger. The team appears hesitant to trade their top prospects, Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones, until Bellinger’s situation resolves itself.
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