The New York Yankees have been unusually quiet this offseason. Outside of bringing back center fielder Trent Grisham, the Bronx Bombers have yet to make a significant move - and in an American League East that’s only getting stronger, that silence is starting to get loud.
Meanwhile, the rest of the division isn’t standing still. Rivals are reloading, retooling, and in some cases, reshaping their rosters with aggressive signings and trades.
That puts pressure squarely on the Yankees’ front office. And with the free-agent market thinning out, the options are narrowing fast.
One name still on the board? Cody Bellinger.
The former MVP might not be the top-tier outfield bat available - that distinction likely belongs to Kyle Tucker - but Bellinger is the next best thing, and teams with money to spend know it. If the Yankees want to stay ahead of the curve, now might be the time to get serious.
Bellinger’s 2025 campaign was a strong bounce-back year that reestablished his value. He posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line, racked up 25 doubles, slugged 29 home runs, and drove in 98 runs across 152 games.
That’s not just solid production - that’s middle-of-the-order impact. And when you pair that kind of bat with Aaron Judge in the lineup, you’re talking about a potential game-changing duo in the Bronx.
There’s no doubt Bellinger would bring a different dimension to the Yankees’ offense. He’s athletic, versatile defensively, and still just 30 years old.
The price tag? Projected at six years, $182 million - roughly $30 million per year.
It’s a steep number, but if Bellinger can maintain his current level of production for even half the deal, that investment could pay off handsomely.
Of course, the Yankees don’t have to rush into anything. But if Tucker signs soon - and all signs point to that happening - Bellinger’s market could heat up in a hurry. Once that bidding war begins, the cost only goes up, and New York risks getting left behind.
At this point, it would be wise for the Yankees to at least open the door to negotiations. Even if Bellinger isn’t Plan A, he’s a high-upside fallback who fits a need and brings postseason experience to a roster that’s long overdue for October success.
The Yankees are known for making big moves when the moment demands it. If they want to keep pace in a loaded AL East - and give Aaron Judge the kind of help he hasn’t had in years - Bellinger might just be the move that makes sense.