The New York Yankees have made their big swing this offseason, and it came in the form of a five-year deal with Cody Bellinger. That move, long rumored and now official, looks to be the final major piece in what has been a relatively quiet winter for the Bronx Bombers.
After parting ways with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, New York made a few under-the-radar additions-trading for Ryan Weathers and claiming right-hander Caleb Ort off waivers. But make no mistake: Bellinger is the headline.
And for good reason.
Bellinger brings a combination of left-handed power, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and postseason experience that fits snugly into the Yankees' needs. Manager Aaron Boone, who’s taken more than his share of heat from the fanbase in recent years, sounded confident about the roster as it stands.
“You’re always trying to improve your club,” Boone said. “But you also pause and say, ‘Hey, we’re pretty good here.’”
That’s not just manager-speak. The Yankees, despite falling to the Blue Jays in the ALDS last season, finished tied atop the AL East standings.
And they did it with a roster that was still finding its rhythm-especially among the younger core. Boone pointed to that emerging group as a reason for optimism moving forward, noting that several young players took big steps last year.
The front office clearly agrees, choosing to double down on internal growth rather than overhaul the roster.
Still, the Yankees haven’t entirely stood pat. They made another small move by claiming outfielder Michael Sirani off waivers from the Dodgers.
Sirani, who slashed .235 last season with the Cardinals in limited action, isn’t expected to be a game-changer. But he’s a depth piece with some upside-especially important given the uncertainty around Jasson Dominguez’s availability.
If Dominguez isn’t ready to go, Sirani could find himself getting real opportunities in the outfield.
The Yankees are betting on continuity, health, and a bounce-back from some key veterans-alongside the continued rise of their young talent. With Bellinger now in pinstripes, the lineup adds a much-needed lefty bat and a proven postseason performer. Boone’s confidence in the current group isn’t just lip service; the Yankees believe they already have the pieces to contend.
Now it’s about putting it all together.