The Yankees made their biggest move of the offseason by reuniting with a familiar face - and a key piece of their defensive puzzle. Cody Bellinger is headed back to the Bronx, agreeing to a five-year, $162.5 million deal that brings both star power and stability to the outfield. The contract includes opt-outs after the second and third years, a $20 million signing bonus, and a full no-trade clause - all signs of a player who wanted to be back in pinstripes and a team that wanted him just as badly.
Bellinger’s return gives the Yankees one of the most versatile defenders in the league, and it’s not just about what he brings with the glove. His left-handed bat adds needed balance to a lineup that has leaned heavily to the right in recent years. With his ability to play all three outfield spots - and even first base in a pinch - Bellinger gives manager Aaron Boone the kind of flexibility that can make a real difference over a 162-game grind.
For a while, it looked like that might be the final major splash of the Yankees’ offseason. But the front office isn’t quite done yet.
Sources say the Yankees have their eye on another veteran bat - and once again, it’s someone they know well. Paul Goldschmidt is on their radar, with the team reportedly exploring a potential new deal to bring the 38-year-old back in a limited role.
Goldschmidt played in 146 games for New York last season, posting a .731 OPS - a slight uptick from his 2024 numbers. He added 10 home runs and 45 RBIs while continuing to provide steady defense at first.
But this time around, it’s clear the Yankees have a different plan. Goldschmidt would be brought in strictly as a designated hitter or bench option. The team has already handed the keys to first base over to Ben Rice, the young left-handed slugger they see as a cornerstone for the future.
Still, Goldschmidt’s value can’t be measured by the box score alone. His leadership, professionalism, and postseason experience would be a welcome asset in a clubhouse that’s aiming for October - and beyond. He’s the kind of veteran presence who knows how to navigate the highs and lows of a long season, and who can still come through in big moments, even in a reduced role.
The Yankees have plenty of reason to feel good about where their roster stands right now. But in the Bronx, the standard is always championship-or-bust.
And if there’s a move to be made that can raise the floor - or the ceiling - of this team, the Yankees are going to explore it. Bringing back Goldschmidt would be another nod to continuity, chemistry, and experience - three things that matter just as much as talent when the lights get bright in October.