3 moves Yankees could make if they are lowering payroll for 2026 MLB season
Cody Bellinger
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3 moves Yankees could make if they are lowering payroll for 2026 MLB seasonHere are some suggestions for the Yankees to consider if we remove boldface free agent names such as Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker from their options.
3 moves Yankees could make if they are lowering payroll heading into 2026 MLB seasonHere are some suggestions for the Yankees to consider if we remove boldface free-agent names such as Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker from their options.
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports the Yankees are making a big effort to re-sign Cody Bellinger.Heyman adds that Bellinger remains New York's top offseason priority, though the two sides aren't close to a deal at this stage. He also lists the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers and Angels as other potential landing spots. The 30-year-old delivered an excellent first season in the Bronx, slashing .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers -- his highest total since 2019 -- to go along with 98 RBI and 13 steals across 152 games. His return would significantly improve the Yankees' outfield defense and give them a proven left-handed, middle-of-the-order anchor to pair with Aaron Judge.
Yankees free agency and trade buzz: Bombers making 'big effort' to re-sign Cody BellingerHere's the latest Yankees free agency and trade buzz during the 2025-26 MLB offseason...
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that the Cody Bellinger free agent market "is very hot indeed."Morosi indicated that all of the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers are "actively courting" Bellinger. The 30-year-old is coming off a strong 2025 season that saw him his .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, 89 runs, and an .813 OPS. He also plays above-average defense at both center field and first base, which makes him even more attractive as a target.