The New York Yankees had one of the better outfields in the Major Leagues in 2025. Aaron Judge is an MVP-favorite once again, while Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham were both great for New York.
But both Belliner and Grisham are heading towards free agency. Keeping both doesn't seem likely, so New York might have to choose one or the other.
For Jeff Passan of ESPN, the decision is a clear one. As the Yankees await Grisham's qualifying offer decision, re-signing Bellinger would be the "perfect transaction" for Brian Cashman this winter.
Yankees urged to let Trent Grisham walk, re-sign Cody Bellinger
"While the bullpen unquestionably needs an overhaul, the biggest hole -- particularly if Trent Grisham doesn't accept the qualifying offer -- is center field." Passan writes. "And there's someone who has proven his New York bona fides just waiting to take the position full-time. Re-sign free agent outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger."
Keeping one of these outfielders is a must for the Yankees, and between the two, Bellinger is the one Passan is urging the Yankees to go with.
Both had strong 2025 seasons, but Grisham's.235 average, 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, and.811 OPS fell just short of Bellingers' season. He had a.272 average with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and an.813 OPS.
Add on that Bellinger plays elite defense in center field, and keeping the 30-year-old former MVP makes the most sense.
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It won't come cheap, but the Yankees, with a high payroll already, can afford to re-sign Bellinger to be their full-time center fielder.
Grisham could wind up accepting the qualifying offer, which would throw a wrench into these plans, but it's not a likely outcome. New York is more likely to see both hit free agency, and in such a scenario, Passan is calling for the Yankees to choose Bellinger.
This last season was Bellinger's best since his 2019 MVP campaign, and while getting back to that level might be difficult, Bellinger can field at an elite level in center field, while providing great offense at the plate.
Passan is urging the Yankees to choose Bellinger over Grisham for New York's "perfect transaction" this offseason.
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