The Yankees have been relatively quiet this offseason-at least compared to some of their rivals. But with Bo Bichette heading to the Mets and Kyle Tucker now donning Dodger blue, the American League landscape has shifted fast. And in that new reality, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the Yankees need Cody Bellinger.
They’ve had their eyes on Bellinger from the jump, and unlike some clubs that have pivoted or spread their bets across multiple targets, the Yankees have stayed locked in. Bellinger wants a seven-year deal, and the Yankees are working to bridge that gap, knowing that landing the left-handed slugger could be the final piece to push them over the top.
Why Bellinger Fits the Yankees Like a Glove
Let’s start with the obvious: the Yankees’ outfield depth and left-handed power are major areas of concern. According to FanGraphs’ positional projections, left field is neck-and-neck with third base as the weakest spot on the roster (outside of DH).
Bellinger doesn’t just fill the outfield hole-he strengthens it. He gives the Yankees a legitimate left-handed bat who can hit for power and play all three outfield spots, plus first base in a pinch.
He also adds flexibility. If the Yankees were to bring in a right-handed fourth outfielder and move Jasson Dominguez in a trade, they could better protect themselves against left-handed pitching. That would allow them to sit Trent Grisham in those matchups and have a reliable righty option if Giancarlo Stanton goes down with an injury-something that, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly a long shot.
And Bellinger’s not just an outfield fix. He can serve as a backup at first base, giving the Yankees insurance behind Anthony Rizzo and allowing them to manage Ben Rice’s development or usage behind the plate. That kind of versatility is invaluable over a 162-game grind.
The AL Is Wide Open-And the Yankees Know It
With the Blue Jays missing out on both Bichette and Tucker, and Boston losing Alex Bregman while adding mainly arms, the American League has no team that clearly separates itself from the pack. FanGraphs projects the Yankees to win 86.5 games-just 0.3 behind Boston and tied with the rest of the AL’s top tier.
That’s a razor-thin margin. One impact bat could be the difference between hosting a Wild Card series and watching from home.
And that’s where Bellinger comes in.
Critics might argue that simply running it back with last year’s core plus Bellinger isn’t enough to get past the NL’s elite. But that’s leaning too hard on a small sample size.
Last year, the Yankees had six hitters who posted a wRC+ of 120 or better-a mark no other team in baseball matched. Steamer projects those same six to be at 110 or better in 2026, a level only the Dodgers and Mets can match with their current rosters.
And here’s the kicker: neither of those teams is in the American League.
Don’t Overthink It-Just Finish the Job
The Yankees have benefitted from their rivals swinging and missing this offseason, much like the last two winters. But they’ve also learned the cost of leaving holes unfilled-last year’s failure to land a third baseman arguably cost them the division. They can’t afford to make the same mistake again.
There’s no need for a surprise pivot or a last-second scramble. The market has thinned out, and Bellinger is still there.
The Yankees know what they need. The opportunity is still on the table.
And if they lock in a five-year, $155 million deal, it’s a win for Bellinger-and a bigger one for a Yankees team that’s trying to build a real contender, not just a playoff hopeful.
In a suddenly wide-open American League, the Yankees are one move away from being the team to beat. That move is Cody Bellinger.