Following reports of Aaron Judge's strong advocacy and fading Mets threat, Yankees GM Brian Cashman called free agent Cody Bellinger a 'great fit,' highlighting his versatility and switch-hitting. With Dodgers and Giants pursuing, New York explores Austin Hays while confident in their priority target.
In the latest on Cody Bellinger's free agency—after opting out of a $80M Cubs deal post a 2025 slash line of .272/.334/.480, 29 HR, 5.1 WAR—Yankees sources remain optimistic. GM Brian Cashman stated, “Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us... He’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him.”
The Athletic's Jim Bowden reports interest from Bellinger's ex-team Dodgers and Giants, alongside prior Mets buzz now dismissed by Jon Heyman. YES Network's Jack Curry described the approach as 'wait and see,' rejecting delays for pricier targets like Kyle Tucker. Heyman noted the Yankees checked on Cincinnati's Austin Hays as a backup.
Manager Aaron Boone hinted the roster 'probably not finished,' amid AL East pressure from Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Orioles. Bellinger's .281/.338/.477, 73 HR over 412 games since 2023 bolsters his case for a projected six-year, $182M pact (Spotrac), aiding Yankees' contention.
