Yankees’ and Cody Bellinger deal ‘likely’ to be dealt as deep talks with Cubs over $52.5 million progress positively

NY Yankees are likely to land outfielder Cody Bellinger after Juan Soto left the Bronx for cross-city rivals NY Mets.

Yankees’ and Cody Bellinger deal ‘likely’ to be dealt as deep talks with Cubs over $52.5 million progress positively

Cody Bellinger [Image Credit: Pinstripes Nation]

The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs are almost done with a deal regarding star outfielder Cody Bellinger. After losing both Juan Soto and right fielder Kyle Tucker in free agency, the Yankees are interested in adding Bellinger as their power hitter.

A deal will most likely be done soon as reports emerge on them nearing an agreement. In their exchange, the Yankees are expected to send a pitching prospect who can pay down half of his salary for 2025.

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The Yankees and Cubs were reportedly $10 million apart in their deal for Cody Bellinger. The pinstripes wanted the Cubs to pick up a massive amount of 2-years $52.5 million remaining on his contract, including a $25 million opt-out for 2026.

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So far this winter, I haven’t imported a position player yet and just clearly haven’t been able to match up with something that makes sense in my world or their world. So those dialogues continue.

Brian Cashman as per Peter Botte of NY Post.com

However, with all the ifs and buts and rumors surrounding the move, the NY Yankees seem to be the “likely” destination for Bellinger. The Yankees were heavily interested in Kyle Tucker, but the Houston Astros’ wish for Luis Gil set them off.

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Juan Soto [Image Credit: Imago]

The Yankees did not want Gil to be on the exchange papers and Tucker ended up signing with the Cubs on Friday. Yankees executive Brian Cashman playfully said he’s grateful Mr. Tucker is not in the American League for a direct faceoff.

NY Yankees’ also has eyes on baseman Pete Alonso in free agency

The NY Yankees have also expressed interest in New York Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso in free agency. As per reports, the interest seems to be from both sides as Alonso has proved he can play in NY.

Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso [Image Credit: Imago]

On the other hand, after acquiring superstar free agent Juan Soto on a $765 million contract, Mets owner Steve Cohen wishes for Alonso to stay with them. The Yankees have also had “a conversation or two” with Astros Alex Bregman, who is also represented by Scott Boras. Furthermore, the team is not yet done in free agency.

They have already added Max Fried on a $218 million 8-year deal and traded Nestor Cortes for Devin Williams recently. Apart from Bregman, Alonso, and Bellinger, the team has also shown interest in participating in the international market. 

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Juan Soto

Both Cashman and Aaron Boone talked about the positives of adding Japanese ace pitcher Roki Sasaki to the team. Sasaki and his agent will start taking bids next week, and is expected to sign within the 45-day window.