Yankees trade pitch lands $100M Gold Glover, 2-time All-Star, complicating Cody Bellinger's future

Hunter Cookston

•
Yankees trade pitch lands $100M Gold Glover, 2-time All-Star, complicating Cody Bellinger's future image

The New York Yankees are heading into a very important offseason—one where they must make the right moves. Roster construction was a major issue this past season, and it's clear the front office needs to act decisively. One name already being linked to the Yankees is their cross-town rival, Pete Alonso.

“A year after the Mets pulled Juan Soto away from the New York Yankees, Brian Cashman will return the favor this MLB offseason. Pete Alonso will step in as the replacement for Paul Goldschmidt, adding even more power to a Yankees’ lineup that led MLB in home runs (274) this season. While there are a few better options available in MLB free agency—Alex Bregman and Munetaka Murakami—the short-term deal will appeal to the Yankees’ front office and provide a bit of financial flexibility to go after a top starter. Pete Alonso contract prediction: 3 years, $84 million with a 2028 player option,” Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson wrote.

Another key piece of the offseason puzzle is Cody Bellinger, who has already indicated he will opt out of his contract.

“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.

With Bellinger likely testing the market, the Yankees could explore a bold move by trading for Byron Buxton—making Bellinger’s free agency even more intriguing.

“That could mean Buxton's name pops up in rumors again, and perhaps he's more willing to waive his no-trade clause than he was a few months ago. Bellinger is a more complicated case. That said, Bellinger can always slide to first base, especially if Ben Rice is moved to catcher on a more regular basis. Buxton checks just about every box. He hit .264 with an .878 OPS and 35 home runs this past season, adding 24 stolen bases while supplying excellent defense in centerfield,” FanSided’s Christopher Kline wrote.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Landing Buxton would be a massive move and could trigger a significant lineup shuffle. However, if Bellinger signs elsewhere, trading for Buxton becomes an even smarter acquisition.

The Yankees are trying to get back to the World Series, and this is the kind of deal that could push them over the hump.

More MLB news:

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.