The New York Yankees are spending most of their time trying to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto. However, general manager Brian Cashman has several roster holes to fill after reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009. Could he find a way to bring Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger to the Bronx?
After Bellinger surprisingly opted into his $27.5 million salary for 2025, the Cubs seem intent on trying to send him out of town after two years in Chicago. He slashed .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs, 23 doubles, 78 RBI and 72 runs scored through 569 plate appearances in 2024.
The 2019 National League MVP Award winner has been linked to the Yankees as a potential fit at various times in recent years. Joel Sherman of the New York Post thinks Bellinger should be in pinstripes regardless of where Soto lands.
He provided an example of a three-team trade that would shed starting pitcher Marcus Stroman’s $18 million salary and bring Bellinger to New York. “The Yanks sending Stroman to the (San Francisco) Giants who were interested in him last year, San Francisco dealing Taylor Rogers to the Cubs, who would still save a lot in 2025 and potentially all of 2026 by sending Bellinger to The Bronx,” Sherman wrote. Stroman posted a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 154 2/3 innings during his first year with the Yankees. He wasn’t a factor during New York’s run to the Fall Classic, as he didn’t appear at all in the postseason.
He may not be a huge part of the club’s plans for the immediate future since they have been in contact with top free-agent hurlers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Bellinger is entering the second season of a three-year, $80 million deal. He can opt out and re-test free agency next winter. Landing the left-handed slugger would give the Yankees an immediate and short-term solution at first base.
