Yankees Target Cody Bellinger as Free Agency Approaches

LAS VEGAS — The New York Yankees are prioritizing free agent Cody Bellinger this offseason as they seek to improve on their 2023 performance. General manager Brian Cashman expressed a strong desire to re-sign the 30-year-old outfielder during a video call from the annual general manager meetings in Nevada on Wednesday.

“We’re very interested in bringing him back,” Cashman said. The meetings, viewed as the unofficial start of the hot stove season, allow teams and agents to lay groundwork for potential deals.

Bellinger was acquired by the Yankees in December 2023 after they shifted focus from Juan Soto, who signed a record contract elsewhere. The Yankees traded right-hander Daniel Poteet to the Chicago Cubs, who included $5 million to help cover Bellinger’s $27.5 million salary for 2025.

During his time in New York, Bellinger proved to be an invaluable asset. He achieved a .272 batting average with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS over 152 games, ranking as the Yankees’ second-most valuable player by Wins Above Replacement (WAR). He excelled against left-handed pitching and showed defensive strength in various outfield positions.

Following the season, Bellinger opted out of the final year of his three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs, seeking a more lucrative deal. His agent, Scott Boras, noted that the fit between Bellinger and the Yankees was excellent.

The Yankees also face decisions on other key players. Outfielder Trent Grisham must decide whether to accept a one-year qualifying offer of $22.025 million by Tuesday, or test the free agent market, where he could garner substantial interest.

Cashman reassured fans that pursuing both Bellinger and Grisham remains an option. “We’d be better served if we could retain him,” he said regarding Bellinger. “But if not, then we’ll need to explore alternatives.”