As the dust settles following a massive week at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, the Yankees continue to pursue big-name position players as they move on from departed lineup linchpin Juan Soto.
Trade talks with the Cubs involving Cody Bellinger are ongoing, and he appears to be the most likely avenue for the Yankees, sources told The Post, especially with the Astros dealing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago on Friday.
“There’s some players in both marketplaces [of trades and free agency] that would be of interest to us,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on a Zoom call. “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.”
Houston had been demanding AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil in any package from the Yankees for Tucker, who instead was dealt to the Cubs for infielders Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski, which Cashman called “a big get for Chicago.”
Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs points towards the field after scoring a run. Getty Images
“We certainly had many conversations with the Astros,” Cashman added. “Ultimately they made a big trade today with Chicago, so at the end of the day, I’m glad Mr. Tucker’s not in the American League East or the American League at all.”
As for Bellinger, the Yankees still want the Cubs to pick up a chunk of the two years and $52.5 million remaining on his contract — which includes a $25 million opt-out for 2026. The sides were believed to be more than $10 million apart on an agreement, a source said.
The former NL MVP is considered a strong fit for the Yankees because he’s a left-handed bat who can play either first base or center field, which would enable them to move reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge back to right following Soto’s defection.
His father Clay Bellinger was a member of the Yankees from 1999-2001, earning two World Series rings.
The Yankees pivoted quickly after Soto’s $765 million crosstown move to the Mets by landing former Braves lefty starter Max Fried on an eight-year deal worth $218 million and trading Friday for Brewers closer Devin Williams.
They also have interest in Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and believe it’s mutual. Alonso is a Tampa-area native and he’s already proven he can handle playing in New York. Mets owner Steve Cohen said at Thursday’s press conference to introduce Soto that the team still is engaged with the four-time All-Star and “we hope that he stays.”
Astros’ Kyle Tucker flips his bat as he watches his solo home run. AP
The Yankees potentially could pursue both Bellinger and Alonso — who also are represented by Soto’s agent, Scott Boras — perhaps depending on how much money the Cubs fork over in a trade.
Another available longtime Houston player is free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Cashman acknowledged having “a conversation or two” with Boras about the two-time All-Star, as well
“The job isn’t finished here,” Cashman said. “We’ve got to move forward and figure out a way to put the best team on paper that we can.
“Now’s the time to strike in the wintertime with the inventory we have via trades or free agency. Eventually that inventory is going to get a lot smaller. … We want to take advantage of that opportunity. We have more to do, and I hope to have more Zoom calls with you at some point to talk about something else.”