Yankees once again linked to former NL MVP

Could the Yankees try again for Cody Bellinger?
Last offseason, the Yankees showed interest in the former NL MVP, who ultimately remained with the Cubs.
Bellinger did not opt out of his contract with Chicago for $27.5 million in 2025, which was an interesting move for a client of Scott Boras, who typically brings his players to free agency to test the market.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post cited this move as a reason why the Cubs could look again to trade Bellinger. He also suggests the outfielder and first baseman is someone the Yankees should watch.
According to Sherman, there was a “feeling among executives” at the general managers meetings that the Cubs, who went just above the lowest luxury-tax threshold of $237 million this year, would like to go below $241 million in 2025.
Bellinger’s deal that he just opted into will count for $26.7 million toward the luxury tax.
If Bellinger were to pick up his $25 million player option in 2026, that mean’s he’s worth $52.5 million for the next two years — a number that he and Boras decided not to test against the free agent market this offseason.
Bellinger, 29, hit .266 with a .751 OPS this season and his WAR dropped from 4.4 to 2.2 from 2023 to 2024. While still a big name, he may be realistic for the Yankees to acquire with the capital they have.
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Bridget Hyland may be reached at [email protected].