The New York Yankees are prioritizing a reunion with outfielder Cody Bellinger in the 2026 offseason after their early ALDS exit. Bellinger delivered a strong 2025 season with a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 95 RBIs in 152 games. The team also aims to bolster pitching amid injuries and explore options for prospect Jasson Domínguez.
The Yankees' offseason began on Oct. 8, 2025, following their elimination by the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, marking a step back from their 2024 World Series appearance where they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. With 27 championships but none since 2009, the franchise seeks to rebuild, starting with the outfield.
Trent Grisham accepted a $22 million qualifying offer, securing two outfield spots. Cody Bellinger, who thrived in Yankee Stadium with an 18-homer, .302/.365/.544 slash line over 337 plate appearances, is the top target due to his versatility across outfield positions and first base. This would allow Aaron Judge, 33, to stay in right field after playing 105 games in center in 2024, reducing strain on the star. Reports from Jon Heyman indicate Bellinger as the No. 1 priority over Kyle Tucker, viewed as a backup despite Tucker's youth. Heyman noted, “The Yankees continue to make Bellinger their No. 1 target… The Yankees have checked in on Tucker, but he appears to be a backup plan due to Bellinger’s versatility and New York chops.”
An MLB executives poll showed zero votes for Bellinger's return to the Yankees among 16 respondents, though six predicted New York signing Tucker for around $400 million. Bellinger's 2025 stats included a .272 average, .334 on-base percentage, .813 OPS, 29 home runs, and 95 RBIs. His career highlights two All-Star nods, a Gold Glove, and two Silver Sluggers since debuting with the Dodgers in 2017.
Pitching needs depth with Gerrit Cole recovering from 2025 Tommy John surgery and missing Opening Day, Carlos Rodón sidelined by elbow surgery, Luis Gil limited to 57 innings due to a lat strain, and Clarke Schmidt out most of 2026 after July Tommy John. Max Fried logged 200 innings, while Cam Schlittler has 87 1/3 Major League innings. The Yankees re-signed Ryan Yarbrough and eye Tatsuya Imai and Michael King. Bullpen gaps include replacing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, with David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval, and Tim Hill remaining.
For 22-year-old Jasson Domínguez, nicknamed 'The Martian,' decisions loom after a .236/.300/.318 second-half slash line, bench role, one playoff inning, and minus-10 outs above average in left field. The team may trade him if adding Bellinger or Tucker, or give him time if prospects like Spencer Jones aren't ready.
