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The Yankees continue to be linked to trades in MLB rumors.
The New York Yankees are looking for help, but the latest MLB rumors may not boost fans’ confidence. As the Los Angeles Dodgers landed another star in Kyle Tucker to help defend the club’s World Series, the Yankees may looking at some reclamation projects.
All this is happening as the Yankees continue lengthy negotiations with Cody Bellinger. Despite plenty of chatter, the Yankees have been unable to re-sign Bellinger to a new deal.
Now, the Yankees are considering a trade for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., per New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
“They’ve offered about $155M over five years and would increase the money too,” Heyman wrote in a January 15, 2026, story titled, “Yankees willing to add multiple opt-outs in their Cody Bellinger pursuit.” “But Bellinger has been looking for seven years. Bellinger has countered the Yankees offer. (But that’s no guarantee. Alex Bregman countered Boston’s offer, too.)
“After missing out on Kyle Tucker, the Jays and Mets may now come out stronger for Bellinger. The Yankees are investigating trade possibilities, including Nico Hoerner and Luis Robert.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Yankees rumors.
Yankees’ Trade Target Luis Robert Has a 6-Year, $50 Million Contract With White Sox
Robert would come with a hefty contract given his recent production. The outfielder is on a six-year, $50 million contract with the White Sox.
It is not all bad news with Robert as the Yankees would inherit a club option for 2027. Meaning, New York could cut ties with Robert after 2026 if the franchise was not pleased with his production.
Since making the All-Star team in 2023, Robert has been in a massive hitting slump. It is hard to imagine that the Yankees would have to give up a lot in a trade for Robert.
The veteran hitter is coming off a career-low batting average of .223 in 2025. Robert has not exactly been a power hitter to make up for his low average as the outfielder added just 14 home runs and 53 RBI last season.
Yankees Rumors: New York Dealt Concerning News on Cody Bellinger
Perhaps the Yankees view acquiring Robert as a buy low opportunity. A case could be made that Robert would be helped by being surrounded by the notable Yankees bats.
The bigger question is whether the Yankees can get a deal done with Bellinger amid lengthy negotiations. New York had been floated as a sleeper team for Tucker if the club cut ties with Bellinger, but the Dodgers took this option off the table.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that things are looking grim in Gotham City when it comes to Bellinger’s future.
“The New York Yankees are growing pessimistic about re-signing free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger,” Nightengale detailed in a January 13, story, “Latest news, rumors on MLB free agents Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette.” “… Bellinger, 30, and the Yankees have been negotiating all winter, with the Yankees calling him a priority, but their talks have hit a stalemate.
“The Yankees have offered a five-year deal worth $155 million to $160 million, according to two people with direct knowledge of the negotiations, with no deferrals and potential opt-outs. Bellinger, however, is seeking a seven-year contract.”
Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams
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