Yankees Eye Cody Bellinger as Top Free Agency Target
As the winter meetings commence and free agency heats up, the New York Yankees appear to have a clear priority on their wishlist: bringing back Cody Bellinger. The former MVP, who opted out of his deal after the 2023 season, made a significant impact in pinstripes following his acquisition from the Chicago Cubs, and now the Yankees are openly expressing their desire to retain his services for the foreseeable future.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has been particularly vocal about his admiration for Bellinger, offering public praise that signals the organization’s serious interest. “Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman stated on Sunday, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. He continued his endorsement by highlighting Bellinger’s versatility: “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. I think 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.” These comments reveal not just casual interest but a genuine appreciation for what Bellinger brings to the team both offensively and defensively.
What makes Cashman’s enthusiasm particularly noteworthy is that it comes despite his simultaneous acknowledgment that the Yankees lineup may be too left-handed heavy. This potential contradiction actually underscores how highly the Yankees value Bellinger. While most left-handed hitters might face skepticism from the Yankees’ front office given their current roster construction, Bellinger’s ability to hit effectively against both right-handed and left-handed pitching makes him an exception to Cashman’s general concern. This balanced offensive approach—combined with his defensive flexibility—appears to have earned Bellinger a special place in the Yankees’ evaluation process.
The 28-year-old slugger’s 2023 performance certainly justifies the Yankees’ interest. With 29 home runs on the season and meaningful contributions throughout his time in New York, Bellinger demonstrated why he previously earned MVP honors and why he remains one of the most sought-after free agents available this winter. His left-handed power plays particularly well at Yankee Stadium, but it’s his complete skill set that makes him valuable. The ability to play multiple positions at a high level gives manager Aaron Boone lineup flexibility that few other players can provide, allowing the Yankees to adapt to injuries and matchups throughout the demanding 162-game schedule.
As the winter meetings progress, competition for Bellinger’s services is expected to be fierce. Multiple contending teams will likely make substantial offers to the versatile star, recognizing the same qualities that have caught the Yankees’ attention. However, Cashman’s public comments suggest that the Yankees may be prepared to outbid other suitors to ensure Bellinger remains in the Bronx. The organization clearly believes that Bellinger’s left-handed bat, defensive versatility, and overall approach to the game make him worth a significant investment, even in a market where his value continues to climb.
For Yankees fans, the pursuit of Bellinger represents a commitment to building on last season’s successes while addressing specific team needs. Rather than a complete roster overhaul, bringing back Bellinger would signal continuity with a player who has already proven he can thrive in New York’s demanding environment. As both sides have expressed mutual interest in continuing their partnership, the coming weeks will reveal whether the Yankees can transform Cashman’s public admiration into a concrete agreement that keeps Bellinger in pinstripes for years to come. With the winter meetings now underway, this storyline will likely be one of the most closely watched in baseball’s offseason landscape.
