“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us” said Cashman (h/t Bryan Hoch of MLB.com). “I think it would be suitable for everyone. I think he is a very talented player who can play multiple positions at a high level and can hit both left and right-handers. He is a contact person and I think our environment was a great environment for him.”
Bellinger has been linked to the Yankees all offseason. A report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggested the club is considering a fellow free agent Kyle Tucker as a backup plan if they can’t keep Bellinger. For what it’s worth, Cashman said Tucker did not visit the Yankees complex in Tampa (passed on by Hoch). The former Cub recently stopped by the Blue Jays facility in Dunedin.
Bellinger, 30, opted out of his contract in early November and hit the open market after a strong first season in the Bronx. He slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases last year. Bellinger had one year and $25 million remaining on his deal. Given the widespread interest in his services, he would have to make a much more lucrative pact.
Bringing Bellinger back could exacerbate a lineup configuration issue that Cashman addressed. The selection is currently left-handed. “That’s a problem” said Cashman (h/t Greg Joyce of the New York Post). Cashman added that the team wouldn’t make a trade just to get a right-handed hitter if he isn’t better than the left-hander currently in place.
Aaron Judge And Giancarlo Stanton are the only right-handers who will play regular at-bats next season. The club’s shortstop will also likely be a righty, with Jose Caballero using the position until Anthony Volpe is available. After that, it’s a bunch of lefties, with a few switch hitters in between. The mix of right and left might be a more pressing issue if New York were competing against lefties last season, but that wasn’t the case. The Yankees led the league in OPS, wOBA and wRC+ versus left-handed pitching in 2025. They tied the Dodgers for most home runs off lefties.
If Cashman is looking to rebalance the lineup, a certain right-handed prospect in the field comes to mind. George Lombard Jr.the team’s top prospect, appears poised to make an impact at the MLB level. However, Cashman threw cold water on the possibility of Lombard being involved right away. “He could be playing defense in the major leagues right now, but he’s still developing on the plate. Exciting talent with a high ceiling. But I don’t think he’s ready yet.” (h/t to Hoch)
The position echoes Cashman’s previous comments about Lombard’s trajectory. The 2023 first-rounder hit just .215 at Double-A last year despite only being in his age 20 season. Lombard torched High-A pitching earlier this year to earn the lead against Somerset. His strikeout rate increased significantly with the Patriots, exceeding 25% for the first time as a professional. Lombard managed 24 steals while hitting eight home runs. He’s a good bet to repeat Double-A to open next season. A strong performance could force the Yankees’ hand, especially if the Caballero/Volpe combination falters.
While Bellinger might rejoin the team, another reunion failed, apparently without any effort. Cashman said the Yankees never made an offer to the free agent reliever Devin Williams (h/t to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic). Williams and his former team were said to have mutual interest in a return, but he ultimately went to the cross-town rival Mets on a three-year, $51 million deal.
Williams came to the Yankees in a December 2024 trade with the Brewers. He lost the starring role a month into the season and needed an injury recovery Lucas Weaver to get back into the mix for saves. He pitched well for a few months, but the Yankees went out and acquired David Bednar at the trade deadline. Bednar took over as closer upon arrival and moved Williams to a setup role. The presence of Bednar and fellow trade deadline acquisitions Camilo Doval could have hindered the Yankees’ ability to sign Williams, who said:depends on the scenarioon whether being a closer would impact his free agency decision. The Mets had a clear opening with Edwin Diaz opting out and choosing free agency.
Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images
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