The New York Yankees are intensifying their offseason efforts to bolster the roster for 2026, with re-signing Cody Bellinger as the top priority. Interest in free-agent infielder Bo Bichette serves as a potential fallback, though positional fits remain uncertain. Concerns over the starting rotation's health drive trade explorations.
Nearly a month after general manager Brian Cashman left the Winter Meetings in Orlando, declaring “I haven’t accomplished anything yet,” the Yankees' offseason shows signs of acceleration. The team has re-signed key players from 2025, including outfielder Trent Grisham on a $22.025 million qualifying offer in November, along with left-hander Tim Hill, infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario, and swingman Ryan Yarbrough.
Bellinger, who hit .272 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs in 152 games last season, has multiple offers, including from former teams like the Dodgers and Cubs. Agent Scott Boras noted a crowded field, prompting Cashman to say, “Scott Boras has a very deep roster of players he’s looking to place... we just stay in touch with the marketplace.” Ideally, Bellinger would slot into left field alongside Grisham and reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, though prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are alternatives.
As a contingency, the Yankees have checked in on free-agent Bo Bichette, formerly of the Blue Jays. While one report suggests he could temporarily play shortstop during Anthony Volpe's recovery from left shoulder surgery, others indicate the team does not envision him there long-term and might trade second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. or third baseman Ryan McMahon to accommodate him at second or third base. Bichette posted -13 Outs Above Average at shortstop in 2025. Cashman praised Chisholm as “an All-Star second baseman, great defense, can steal bags, power,” but noted the infield's left-handed lean.
Rotation worries persist with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt sidelined post-surgery. Rodón eyes an April return, Cole May or June, and Schmidt the second half. This has fueled trade interest in Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera (8-7, 3.53 ERA, 150 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings last season) and Brewers' Freddy Peralta. Cashman affirmed, “We have a strong team. The job is to make it better and make it stronger.”