If Cody Bellinger ends up back in pinstripes, the ripple effects could stretch all the way to Cincinnati-and that’s where things get interesting for the Reds.
Let’s start with the obvious: the Reds aren’t in the market for a marquee free agent like Bellinger. That’s not how they operate. But they are in the market for impact talent, and if the Yankees re-sign Bellinger, it could open the door for the Reds to make a savvy move of their own-possibly for outfielder Jasson Dominguez.
Right now, the Yankees and Bellinger are locked in what looks like a classic offseason standoff. New York reportedly prefers a five-year deal, while Bellinger’s camp is aiming for something closer to seven.
Despite the gap, most insiders expect the two sides to find common ground eventually. And when they do, it could push Dominguez out of the Yankees’ crowded outfield picture.
That’s where Cincinnati comes in.
Dominguez, still just 20 years old, is one of the more intriguing young names in the game. If Bellinger returns to the Bronx and takes over left field, Dominguez could become a trade chip-one the Yankees might use to shore up their pitching staff. And make no mistake, Dominguez is the kind of bat that would inject some serious juice into the Reds’ outfield.
Yes, his MLB numbers last season weren’t eye-popping-he slashed .257/.331/.388 with a 103 wRC+-but that’s just scratching the surface. His Minor League résumé paints a much fuller picture: a .274/.374/.444 slash line, 47 home runs, and a 127 wRC+ across his development path. This is a player who can hit, and hit with authority.
The Reds have been searching for more offensive firepower, and Dominguez fits the bill. He’s not just a short-term fix, either. He’s pre-arbitration eligible and under team control through the 2030 season, which makes him a long-term asset with upside.
Of course, the Yankees aren’t going to just hand him over. They’ve already shown a willingness to deal from their prospect pool, as evidenced by their recent trade with the Marlins. So it’s possible that a package built around a mid-rotation arm-someone like Brady Singer or Rhett Lowder-plus a lower-level prospect, could get a deal done.
For the Reds, that kind of move would be bold. But it would also be calculated.
They’ve built a promising young core, and adding a player like Dominguez would only accelerate their climb. If Bellinger heads back to New York, don’t be surprised if Cincinnati is one of the first teams to pick up the phone.