There is some buzz indicating the New York Yankees are pursuing Cubs’ superstar outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Reports are unclear as to how a deal would be structured between the two clubs. But the Yankees are thought to be pressing for infield and outfield depth. Bellinger would make a lot of sense in this context as an impact position player with center and right field experience as well as first base.
The Yankees have had some wins, most notably their acquisition of former Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried. But the Bronx Bombers failed in their bid to keep Juan Soto, made worse by the fact that he was signed by their crosstown rival New York Mets.
Rumors Surface: Yankees Interested in Cubs Star
The main sticking point appears to be the remaining salary left in Bellinger’s contract. The Cubs would like New York to take on the majority of Bellinger’s $52.5 million salary which the Yankees seem reluctant to take on. Or at least they were reluctant at the end of talks on Wednesday evening.
Acquiring Bellinger would give the Yankees an All-Star caliber defenseman who can play in a multitude of roles. The Yankees multi-positional talent Oswaldo Cabrera exhibits great range but is still a work in progress. Adding Bellinger first and foremost at first base would solve one riddle for New York.
The same could be said for the outfield where 21 year old Jasson Dominguez is still finding his feet. Cabrera also fits into the mix in the outfield for New York. Cabrera, 25, improved his numbers last season slashing .247/.296/.365 with eight home runs and 36 RBI in 109 games. The five foot nine 190 pound Dominguez first broke into the league in 2023 and saw limited action last season.
In both cases the Yankees give up ready power-hitting and experience, both of which would be solved by adding Bellinger. Bellinger’s power numbers fell off slightly last year but he finished slashing .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI.
Both Teams Are Making “Ready Now” Moves
New York’s front office could be smarting after losing their $760 million bid to retain superstar Juan Soto. But this leaves plenty of room for the Yankees to fill in their roster. Bellinger would make a good fit if the two big market teams can come to terms on his remaining contract.
There is some indication that New York might be looking to snipe slugger Pete Alonso from the Mets, a retaliatory move that would also fill the void at first base. Both teams are in the hunt for Houston Astros’ superstar right fielder Kyle Tucker, although Chicago seems to be at the forefront of talks with the Astros.
The Cubs are moving more quickly this offseason than in prior years. Cubs’ president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, said in an interview recently, “I don’t think it’s just us. I think it’s everything. Last season felt exceptionally deliberate. This offseason, things are happening quicker.”
Chicago does seem to be willing to make deals this offseason with Seiya Suzuki, Isaac Paredes, and Bellinger all on the table. The Cubs have even entertained including top infield prospects Matt Shaw (Cubs number one) and Cam Smith (number seven) to the mix. The Northsiders acquired third baseman Gage Workman from the Detroit Tigers in the Rule 5 draft on Wednesday in an apparent bid to add trade depth.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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