Aaron Boone on Yankees’ pursuit of free agent Cody Bellinger
During the MLB Winter Meetings, Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed issues about the makeup of the 2026 team, including the pursuit of Cody Bellinger.
NEW YORK – Amed Rosario and the Yankees made it official on Tuesday.
Two-plus weeks after agreeing to a guaranteed one-year, $2.5 million contract for 2026, Rosario’s free agent signing was announced by the club.
That’s hardly satisfying for a Yankees fan base eager for GM Brian Cashman and company to strike for a significant free agent or swing an impact trade before spring training.
By this Friday, the date of his posting deadline, star Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai could land in a contender’s rotation. Japanese righty-hitting corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto’s negotiating deadline is Sunday.
Each of the Yankees’ AL East rivals have made notable additions – including the AL champion Toronto Blue Jays – while the Yanks’ top free agent target, lefty-hitting Cody Bellinger, remains in free agency.
Since the start of MLB’s offseason, the Yankees have largely moved to re-sign depth pieces such as lefty Ryan Yarbrough, righty Paul Blackburn (yet to be officially announced), lefty reliever Tim Hill and Rosario.
Still seeking a right-handed hitting option at first base and the corner outfield, the Yankees are covered at third base with Rosario in a platoon with lefty-hitting Ryan McMahon.
Before the last MLB trade deadline, the Yankees received Rosario, 30, from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league outfielder Browm Martinez and right-hander Clayton Beeter.
Rosario batted .303 (10-for-33) in 16 regular season games as a Yankee, with a .788 OPS. Overall in 2025, he batted a combined .276 average (.745 OPS) with six homers and 23 RBI in 62 games.
Mostly a third baseman in pinstripes, Rosario also saw time at right field and second base.
Working in Rosario’s favor was his success versus lefty pitching last season (.302 average, .819 OPS in 122 plate appearances) and his clubhouse leadership – particularly taking an interest in Jasson Dominguez’s development.
Rosario’s contract includes performance incentives that could earn him an extra $225,000.