Yankees predicted to reunite with $80M MVP, World Series champion, 2-time All-Star veteran

Hunter Cookston

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Yankees predicted to reunite with $80M MVP, World Series champion, 2-time All-Star veteran image

The New York Yankees just got some good news during what has been a difficult stretch since the end of the season. This year, the Yankees simply didn’t have it, and their struggles became glaringly obvious during the playoffs. However, there was finally a positive development regarding Aaron Judge’s injury status.

“If Judge had required Tommy John surgery or some other significant elbow operation, that would have had lingering impacts into the 2026 season, though it seems Judge will be expected to be a full-time outfielder again next year. That should allow the Yankees to go into 2026 planning on having Judge in right and Stanton in the DH slot,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Darragh McDonald wrote.

On the downside, versatile veteran Cody Bellinger is expected to opt out of his contract, officially sending him into free agency.

“As expected, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month, a source told ESPN. Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option for next season. After a rebound season in his first year in pinstripes, he presumably will receive widespread interest in free agency -- it should yield a lucrative multi-year contract,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

The good news for the Yankees is that Bellinger returning on a new deal remains a strong possibility.

“The trade to the Bronx was maybe the best thing to happen to Bellinger, with the slugger hitting 29 home runs and slashing .272/.334/.480 with an .813 OPS. His 5.0 bWAR was the best he’s posted since his MVP season in 2019. He’ll almost surely opt out of his contract to become a free agent where teams will pursue the 30-year-old, but a reunion with the Yankees should remain in play,” FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote.

Re-signing Bellinger would be a major win for the Yankees. He’s proven to be a valuable, versatile player who brings both production and leadership to the clubhouse.

Bellinger is also one of the game’s most selfless and underrated stars. A reunion in the Bronx would be a move that makes sense for both sides.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.