ESPN: Yankees swap sensational star with San Francisco for $80M Former MVP player.
The majority of the New York Yankees’ efforts are focused on re-signing Juan Soto, an outfielder. But after making it to the World Series for the first time since 2009, general manager Brian Cashman has a number of roster gaps to cover. Could he lure Cody Bellinger, a first baseman and outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, to the Bronx? The Cubs appear determined to try to send Bellinger out of town after two years in Chicago after he unexpectedly chose to accept his $27.5 million 2025 contract. In 2024, he made 569 plate appearances and slashed.266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs, 23 doubles, 78 RBI, and 72 runs scored.
Several times in previous years, the Yankees have been mentioned as a possible suit for the 2019 National League MVP Award recipient. Regardless of where Soto ends up, Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes Bellinger ought to be in pinstripes. He gave a scenario of a three-team deal that would send Bellinger to New York and eliminate starting pitcher Marcus Stroman’s $18 million payroll. “The Yanks sending Stroman to the (San Francisco) Giants who were interested in him last year, San Francisco dealing Taylor Rogers to the Cubs, who would still save a lot in 2025 and potentially all of 2026 by sending Bellinger to The Bronx,” added Sherman.
In his debut season with the Yankees, Stroman recorded a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts in 154 2/3 innings. He didn’t play in the postseason, therefore he wasn’t a part of New York’s journey to the Fall Classic. Given that the team has been in communication with top free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, he might not play a significant role in their near plans.
Bellinger’s three-year, $80 million contract is about to start its second season. Next winter, he has the option to opt out and retest free agency. The Yankees would have an instant and temporary first base answer if they were to sign the left-handed slugger.
