New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge (Image via AP Photo/Pamela Smith) The New York Yankees want Cody Bellinger back. After what he did in 2025, the front office sees him as a key piece rather than a short-term stopgap. A reunion would lock in an everyday outfield with Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham and give the lineup a clear shape going forward.This is not about a trade. Bellinger became a free agent after opting out, and the Yankees are trying to keep something that already worked. They believe the mix of power, defense, and flexibility is hard to replace.
Why the New York Yankees want this done
Cody Bellinger arrived from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024 and fit in right away. He stayed healthy, played multiple positions, and produced over a full season. After opting out of his final $25 million year and taking the $5 million buyout, he hit the market at 30 with momentum on his side.Brian Cashman has kept the focus on re-signing him even after Grisham accepted a $22 million qualifying offer. Other teams are interested, including the Mets and Dodgers, but the New York Yankees are selling continuity. Everyday at-bats, a park that suits his swing, and protection in the order all matter here.Contract projections are wide. Some land around six years and $180 million. Others climb much higher if bidding heats up. The Yankees are weighing cost against the risk of trying to replace his production elsewhere.
What Cody Bellinger gave them in 2025
Cody Bellinger (Image via Getty)
Cody Bellinger’s season was steady and reliable. He played 152 games, hit for power without selling out, and gave the lineup balance.PlayerAVG/OBP/SLGHRRBIGamesfWAR (est.)Defense Cody Bellinger .272/.334/.480 29 98 152 ~4.9 +7 OAA, OF/1B Aaron Judge .331/.457/.688 53 114 152 Elite Strong RF arm Trent Grisham .235 est. / .353 wOBA 34 74 Full Solid Elite CFThe three combined for 116 home runs. Bellinger’s contact helped pitchers think twice before pitching around Judge, and Grisham added power without losing value in center field.
How the outfield works
The alignment is simple. • Left field: Bellinger, with the option to move to first base • Center field: Grisham • Right field: JudgeThis setup also buys time for younger players like Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones. It creates a logjam, but it also gives the Yankees options.
Upside and risk
Pros: • Power across the outfield • Strong defense at all three spots • Less need to chase another expensive batCons: • A long deal adds luxury tax pressure • Normal aging and injury concerns • Fewer immediate chances for young outfielders
The bigger picture
If the Yankees finish this deal, they raise their baseline. Pitchers cannot work around Judge. Mistakes get punished. Late leads are harder to protect against this group.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New York Yankees could pivot towards $80 million Chicago Cubs hard-hitter after missing out on Kyle TuckerAn MLB.com report described the Yankees as “staying engaged” with Bellinger and called him their top priority after the winter meetings. That sums it up. New York knows what worked last season and is trying to keep it together.