NEW YORK — Following the unexpected loss of Juan Soto, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman decided to shift tactics by pursuing Cody Bellinger, a player with whom he has a familial connection. “I signed his father years back, and now I’ve brought in his son,” Cashman remarked on Wednesday.
In the week and a half since Soto rejected the Yankees to join the Mets on a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract, the Yankees made significant moves. They finalized an eight-year, $218 million deal with left-hander Max Fried, traded for closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers, and secured Bellinger, a former National League MVP, from the Chicago Cubs.
Cashman also noted the Yankees were invited to meet with promising Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki in California. The highly regarded 23-year-old can officially sign with a Major League Baseball team between January 15 and 23. “We’re thrilled about the possibility,” Cashman said. “He’s incredibly talented and has the potential to become one of the world’s elite pitchers. I’d love for Yankee Stadium to be his home ground.”
As Sasaki is under 25, he falls under the MLB’s regulations for international amateurs, which limits his signing bonus options to pool allocations typically meant for younger Latin American players. The Yankees’ maximum spending capacity in this area is about $5.3 million, competing against teams with budgets between $7.6 million and $4.1 million.
Interestingly, Bellinger’s father had a stint with the Yankees starting in 1996 before he played in the major leagues from 1999 to 2001, where he achieved two World Series championships and three American League pennants. Cody was merely six years old during his father’s final season in Yankees colors.
“Bellinger is someone who truly wants to be here,” Cashman commented, which some interpreted as a subtle jab at Soto. “I’ve received messages through the years from both him and his agent Scott Boras expressing interest in joining the Yankees. But my decision to acquire him ultimately rests on how well he fits our team.”
Bellinger’s versatility allows him to play either outfield or first base, depending on future roster changes. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the challenges of assembling a perfect team, stating, “You can never predict what will be available to you in the offseason. It’s about finding the right fit in the market. I’m really excited about the moves we’ve made so far; it has been a fruitful winter.”
Bellinger will receive $52.5 million guaranteed over the next two seasons, with a salary of $27.5 million for the upcoming year, along with a player option of $25 million for 2026 that includes a buyout of $5 million.
Taking to social media, Bellinger expressed his enthusiasm, writing, “Honored to wear the pinstripes, ready and excited to get to work!!”
In the deal, the Cubs will send the Yankees $5 million: $2.5 million on September 1, and if Bellinger’s option is executed, they will make five payments of $500,000 each month from May to September 2026. If the option is not taken, the Cubs will pay the Yankees $2.5 million by January 15, 2026.
This past season, Bellinger recorded a .266 batting average with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games, despite a setback due to a broken rib that sidelined him from April 23 to May 7. He achieved an impressive 1.035 OPS in 2019 during his second All-Star selection and MVP season but has only surpassed the .800 mark once in the last five seasons.
“I really believe his offensive game will thrive in our environment. He remains a young and athletic talent,” Boone shared. “While we hope for the peak performance, at the very least, I know we’re securing a valuable asset.”
Boone noted his conversation with Bellinger from the previous night, revealing, “He mentioned, ‘Don’t worry about my position. I’ll play wherever you need me—be it center, left, or first base.’”
As for the pitching lineup, Williams will step into the closer role, with Boone confirming that Luke Weaver will also have a significant innings load. Boone stated, “Weaver will still close games on some nights, but Devin is set to take on the closer duties primarily.”
Pitching coach Matt Blake indicated that Jonathan Loáisiga might rejoin the team by late April or May following his Tommy John surgery last May. The right-handed pitcher is nearing a one-year contract agreement.
“I see him as an essential asset in high-pressure situations,” Blake added. “Of course, we need to ensure he’s fully ready before bringing him back to competition.”