At the start of the offseason, it felt inevitable that the Yankees and Cody Bellinger would reunite. That may still happen but it seems up in the air at the moment. Talks between the two sides have seemingly stalled out. Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports today that both sides have been exploring alternatives lately. Bellinger has interest from other clubs. Meanwhile, the Yankees have been touching base with free agents Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, who they have been connected to previously. They’ve also checked in on trade candidates Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox and Nico Hoerner of the Cubs. The Yanks’ interest in Hoerner was first reported by Pat Ragazzo of SI.
Bellinger spent 2025 in the Bronx and it seemed to go well. He hit 29 home runs and slashed .27/.334/.480 for a wRC+ 125. He stole 13 bases and played all three outfield slots as well as first base. He appeared to be especially comfortable in Yankee Stadium, slashing .302/.365/.544 there. He opted out of the final season of his contract, taking a $5MM buyout and leaving a $25MM salary on the table. At the start of the offseason, MLBTR predicted Bellinger to have enough juice for a five-year, $140MM deal.
It was reported on New Year’s Day that the Yanks had made an offer to Bellinger. A few days later came reports of a second offer. No details of either offer were initially revealed but further reporting indicated the sides weren’t close to a deal. Subsequent reporting has put the Yankee offer at five years and over $30MM annually, putting the guarantee somewhere in the vicinity of $155MM. That hasn’t been enough to get a deal done with Bellinger hoping to get to seven years.
It seems the two sides have taken a break from the staredown to look elsewhere. Heyman says they continued talking over the weekend but each party is considering alternatives. Heyman mentions the Dodgers, Giants and Mets as clubs believed to have interest in Bellinger. Those clubs have all been tied to Bellinger via rumors earlier this winter but are imperfect fits. All three could use outfield help to varying degrees but they also appear to be trying to avoid long-term commitments at the moment.
Since the hold-up between the Yankees and Bellinger appears to be the length of their offer, it’s hard to envision any of these clubs outbidding the Yankees. Any of the three could perhaps change their stance to take advantage of this opportunity but it also could be more likely that those clubs would prefer to get Bellinger via another short-term, opt-out laden deal. It’s unclear if he would want to do that after going down that road a couple of years ago, but it presumably depends on where things go in the next few weeks.
The Blue Jays have also been connected to Bellinger this winter but it seems they are more focused on Bichette and Tucker with Bellinger perhaps a backup plan. The Cubs were also connected to their old friend Bellinger this winter but signing Alex Bregman is presumably their big splash of the winter.
For the Yankees, they could perhaps increase their offer but are also seeing what else is on the menu. With Hoerner, it’s unclear if the Cubs have any interest in trading him but he has been in rumors and it’s arguable they should consider it. Hoerner is a good player but is a free agent after 2026. With the Cubs recently signing Bregman, their infield is now a bit cluttered. Putting Bregman at third bumps Matt Shaw to the bench.
If they wanted to, the Cubs could trade Hoerner and then move Shaw to second base. That would declutter things a bit and also should bring back something of note. Hoerner’s $12MM salary this year is very affordable considering his production. He doesn’t hit a ton of home runs but rarely strikes out, relying on his contact, speed and defense to provide value. It’s a combination that works, as FanGraphs has credited him with 3.9 wins above replacement or more in each of the past four years.
It could also give the Cubs a bit more breathing room in terms of the competitive balance tax. The Cubs went narrowly above the CBT in 2024 but have otherwise stayed under the line in each season from 2021 to the present.
RosterResource currently estimates them for a CBT number of just over $243MM, putting them less than a million from this year’s line. A team’s CBT number isn’t calculated until the end of the year, so in-season moves can move a club up or down. If the Cubs want to avoid the tax in 2026, creating some space now could be something they consider to give them more ability to make moves at the deadline.
For the Yankees, Hoerner wouldn’t help replace Bellinger in the outfield but he should make the team better. Though he has largely been a second baseman for the Cubs, he is considered good enough to be a shortstop. He has just been on the other side of the bag in deference to Dansby Swanson.
The Yanks have an uncertain shortstop situation at present, hence their previous connection to Bichette. Anthony Volpe is coming off a down year and may not be ready for Opening Day 2026 as he recovers from shoulder surgery. José Caballero currently projects as the top shortstop for the early season, though he has mostly been a utility guy in his career. If the Yanks add a shortstop, then he could return to that role.
The thinking with signing Bichette had a couple of attractions. He could upgrade the shortstop position now, then second base in the future. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is currently the club’s second baseman but he is slated for free agency after the upcoming season. With the Yanks having shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. waiting in the wings, Bichette could cover short for a year and then slide to the other side of the bag with either Lombard or a resurgent Volpe at short.
Hoener wouldn’t be quite the same acquisition, barring an extension, as he is only signed through 2026. Still, that would likely have appeal for the Yankees in a different way. They could upgrade the middle infield for now without making a huge commitment. After 2026, depending on how things go with Lombard, Volpe, Hoerner and Chisholm, they could then decide about how to invest in the middle infield for the long term.
They would, however, have to give the Cubs something of value in return. As mentioned, it’s unclear if the Cubs have any interest at all in flipping Hoerner. Even if they do, they would presumably be looking for some kind of win-now upgrade, likely on the pitching staff. With the Yanks looking for pitching help themselves, it may be challenging to line up a deal that makes sense for both sides.
As for Robert, he is surely available but also tricky to value. He has shown borderline MVP upside but is coming off two years marred by injuries and underperformance. In 2023, he hit 38 home runs and stole 20 bases, slashed .264/.315/.542 and got strong grades for his center field defense. But since then, he has made a number of trips to the injured list while slashing .223/.288/.372 for a wRC+ of 84.
The White Sox are rebuilding and will surely trade Robert but are seemingly hoping to trade him at peak value. He wasn’t moved in 2025 even though it was the final guaranteed year of his contract. They picked up a $20MM option for 2026. Teams like the Yankees and others might want to buy low but the Sox are likely motivated to wait. After his down year, it would make sense to hold him until the deadline, with the hope of him getting back in form and therefore increasing his trade value.
The Yankee outfield currently projects to include Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham in two spots. If the season started today, Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones would battle for a third. Domínguez is coming off a rough year in 2025, with an average bat and poor defense. Jones hit 35 home runs in the minors last year but also struck out 35.4% of the time, creating some doubt about how viable his bat will be in the majors.
Acquiring Hoerner wouldn’t do much to change that picture but perhaps the Yanks would be more comfortable with the uncertainty of the Domínguez/Jones combo with a stronger infield. Bringing back Bellinger, signing Tucker or acquiring Robert would strengthen the outfield group, bumping Domínguez to more of a part-time role and keeping Jones in Triple-A.
There are many moving pieces here as the offseason moves into the final weeks before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Tucker, Bichette and Bellinger are the top position players still out there, with a lot of overlapping interest. The Jays are seemingly in on all three, considered by some to be the favorites for Tucker but a Bichette reunion also makes sense. Like Bellinger, Bichette is considering other options. He is meeting with the Phillies today, although that is a bit complicated, as Philadelphia would seemingly have to move on from both J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm to fit Bichette onto the roster and into the budget. The Red Sox just missed on Bregman and could turn to Bichette but they don’t seem too keen on big long-term investments. The Dodgers, Giants and Mets may be looking to get opportunistic if a nice short-term opportunity becomes possible.
It’s a bit of a game of musical chairs with the Yankees and Bellinger some of the key participants. Bregman just found a seat in Chicago but others will have to sit soon. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in about a month, so the music is slowing down.
Photo courtesy of Sergio Estrada, Imagn Images
I’ve said this already, but to me, why are we spending prospect capital on expiring contracts??? Nico is not going to sign an extension and it’s just a repeat of the last two years.
As for Robert, he has not been good or healthy in a couple of years now. We don’t need another dude like this.
Please no.
Sal
“I’ve said this already, but to me, why are we spending prospect capital on expiring contracts???”
Has anyone answered you? I will
Because you have to give up roughly half as much in prospects to get a player for one year than to get an equal player for 2 years.
Juan you did not even come close to answering his question. Not anywhere near close.
The answer is simple. Because you either spend prospect capital or actual money. If the incoming player can take the team to the next step then it’s likely worth the cost. An extra round in the playoffs is very profitable.
Sp
Yes, I did.
Juan no you didn’t. He asked why are the Yankees trading prospects for expiring contracts knowing the player will not sign an extension with them. You answered by saying how many prospects a team will have to give up if acquiring a guy for one year and how many prospects a team will have to give up if acquiring a player for more than one year. You failed to answer the question. Yes failed.
Sp
You’re getting muted
I did answer
Sal, the person who asked the question acknowledged the answer.
Let me spell it out more directly for you
They trade for those players because they are cheaper than trading for players under longer term contracts it signing players to longer term contracts
I will not read your reply because I’m not interested in interacting with someone who appears to be here for no other reason then to argue
Muted
Ok. Goodbye it is.
Oh I get it, Jazzy, but spending prospects on 1 year of anyone to me wasteful unless it’s like last year’s Poteet for Bellinger trade. I don’t mind trade deadline moves because at that point you know whether you’re all in or not, but now? Eh, it’s like we have this bloodlust to have to make a move or WE’RE NOT THE YANKEES and I’m kinda over this short-sighted way of thinking.
At this point, I’d rather invest a little more in either money or prospects t9 get a longer-termed player.
Because Judge (and others) aren’t getting any younger. Nico today is worth a heck of a lot more when coupled with Judge compared to 3 years from now when Judge will (most likely) be in decline. Flags fly forever
Since Flags fly forever, don’t worry, you have plenty from last century. You’re good.
I completely understand what you’re saying. Here’s my thought process (as messed up as it is): Hoerner will only be with the Yanks for 2026, then the lockout in 2027. BUT, the Yanks total payroll in 2028 will drop like a rock. They can afford to add in several key positions.
Depending on which prospects, I’d have no problem with Hoerner. It’s likely Cashman will stash those prospects in the minors until they’re useless anyway.
I dunno man, I just think we need new players. I don’t think we can win either way with Cash/Boone, so I guess it ultimately doesn’t matter
Having Robert after adding Grisham is weird, unless they’re trading Dominguez.
Robert is indeed weird. Hoerner I would take in a New York minute. 😁
Clipper
If rosters are frozen today, the Cubs are a better team than the Yankees.
If the Cubs want cheap major league pieces for Hoerner, what would Yankees offer Rice, Bednar or Gil? Zero chance of Rice. Near zero chance of Bednar. Probably not Gil or Lombard.
Hoerner is not going to be traded unless the Cubs get back something really special. The Cubs are the type of team that wants cheap one year rentals, not trades them.
Cubs will keep Hoerner, give him a QO, and likely he will then become a free agent.
I could see the Cubs trading Hoerner to the Red Sox along with a prospect to get Duran, but even that is less than one percent.
The Cubs are not going to offer Nico Hoerner a QO. You can just forget about that. He might take it. They’ll either extend him and then end of the whole trade saga, And then maybe deal Shaw or let him walk. If he makes it to FA they won’t bid for him because Shaw can take his place. It’s simple economics. Why pay someone 22 million when you can sub for him for 1 million.? Nico is a better defender and Shaw has more power. Depends on which way they want to go.
Either player would be fine, but only if Kyle Tucker is signed lst though. If not easy pass.
It’s about trying to gain some leverage in the free agent negotiations. Talks have stalled with Bellinger/Boras so now they’re pulling the “oh we don’t need you, we’ll just trade for this guy over here!” trick in hopes that the contract demands come down a little bit.
It’s the Hal way to a large degree. They are gun shy of long term contracts and would prefer to give up farm talent to limit the risks $$ wise.
Hoo boy! Can’t wait to see a certain type of Yankee fan’s reaction to this
Robert is not for sale, he finally is learning some plate discipline and coming into his own. We would trade him for Hoenrer though.
you would trade a 1.4-win player for a 6.2-win player? how noble of you.
LOL
Oh yeh….Roberts is a “superstar” isn’t he…..two down years with multis trips to the IL list….wow….a real keeper that has tremendous value….would the ‘Sox take Lombard, Schlittler, Warren, and Jazz straight up for him……please let Cash know ASAP…
The pitchers i have no clue about, no to Jazz though, Robert is more valuable to our team.
Then keep Robert. He gets hurt getting out of bed, a couple times a week. Robert is about as valuable as Eloy Jimenez lol. How’d that work out for you?
I’m a White Sox fan and wonder why anyone would want Robert (unless my team wasn’t giving up much and Sox were paying a lot of his salary).
Well said…this upside and potential crap is way overblown….
I appreciate your acceptance of reality.
He’s going to have to show some very positive trends for them to be able to trade him at the deadline.
I would love Nico Me So Hoerner! Volpe can pick up his dirty socks when he comes back and maybe learn a thing or 2
Problem is the Cubs will want top value for him and he’s NEVER going to sign an extension without exploring free agency….enough with these 1 year wonders like Juan Soto….Cash how about drafting something other than shortstops for the farm and you wouldn’t have this type of problem…..
Our position player prospects don’t really work out so I don’t really care about prospects anymore when there’s something worth cashing in for. The last one that did was Judge. Hoping we can add Rice to the list, but we’ll see! Dominguez can’t field and Wells is meh
But are they “ eyeing” him? seriously, in Dodger land there’s been like two years of this guy being in trade rumors to them and I see he’s linked with about four or five other teams but a trade for this guy is kind of like Bigfoot, I’ll believe it when I actually see it.
I do not want the Red Sox to get Bichette. I just feel like Bellinger is coming back eventually so…
Bellinger most likely will not be a Yankee at that asking price though. $35 million a year for 6 years tops.
Cashman has awaken.
Jasson, Spencer Jones and Lombard Jr for Skenes. Just get it over with . Call it a day. Quiet the NYY fans up and move on from this off season.
Going to take more than that and I’m a NYY fan!
Yankees simply don’t have the prospect capital.
Lmfao!! It’s going to take Jones, Lombard jr, Schlittler and one of Rodriguez-Cruz or Lagrange just get the talks starting for Skenes. Would I do this trade, you bet as you get 4 yrs of team control and I probably sweeten the pot offering one of Warren or Gil too!
i’m a yankee fan and even that package is way light for skenes
Jones, Lombard Jr, Schlittler, Lagrange, Gil, Volpe, Rodriguez-Cruz, Hess, Carr, Hampton and more
There are only a handful of teams that have the capacity to trade for Skenes — even if they offer the entire top ten of their farm system.
The Yankees aren’t one.
Yeah I know.
Skenes isn’t going no need to discuss that anymore.
Ballsy proposal, and I am not as informed as I used to be on prospects from other teams (Phils fan). But, at least from what I have heard, there might be more name recognition in your prospects than there is value. Jasson is still an unknown at this point with question marks, and Spencer Jones has huge upside but Gallo-esque swing and miss. Lombard is the surest top prospect with upside with the highest trade value. Pirates would be foolish to take this imho…Skenes will command an outlandish return if they actually decided to trade him now.
Please tell me this isn’t a serious proposal that you think PIT would consider…
You can probably add Gil and Schlitter to that offer and Pittsburgh still says no lol.
Skenes is a pirate until he makes it to his first arbitration year.
It’s a pipe dream, Cubs have ‘not shown any sign of willingness to trade Nico . And yes even if Cashman had the players to make this happen, why spend it on year player .
Would disagree that adding Bregman clutters the infield for the Cubs when Shaw can become a utility bench bat with the opportunity to still get plenty of plate appearances. Without Shaw on the bench, the Cubs would really only have Alcántara and Austin for depth and neither of them can play the left side of the infield.
Keeping Hoerner would allow the Cubs to take their time this year (or at least until the trade deadline) to see if Shaw can adapt at the plate and become a viable option at 2nd for 2027 and beyond. Cubs could also extend Hoerner and then you kick the can down the road on revisiting making Shaw available.
Hoerner and Bregman are dangerous
Cub Dub – good call. I agree with your vision.
Yankees need a Bellinger reunion. His defensive flexibility is core to their long-term planning. If Rice, Dominguez and Jones all deserve playing time, DH can become a rotating role (between Judge, Dominguez and Rice) once Stanton is gone (2 years) with Bellinger covering defensively. Similarly, Bellinger won’t find another team who needs him as much.
Bellinger can mash in Yankee stadium. If he wants to keep putting up good stats he needs the Yankees just as much as they need him. This “impasse” is a charade cooked up by Boras.
Yankees are having a severe identity crisis.
They’ve become the baseball strategy / team construction version of that Fred Armisen SNL character/sketch Nicholas Fehn.
Trading Hoerner wouldn’t make much sense for the Cubs. The perceived logjam is much ado about nothing given days off, injuries, etc. If they’re trying to win, which they seemingly are, they should be keeping their best players not trading them away.
I highly doubt Robert jr is traded barring a drastic overpay.
nico is durable and doesn’t strike out so he’s not a fit for the yankees
I watch Robert Jr in person a lot, which I suspect most of you don’t.
He is a strange player. He has stretches where he looks like a star, as good as ever or better. Five tools. But then he has stretches where he loses his swing and looks almost unplayable.
That said, his 2025 overall was substantially better than his 2024, and he is still young.
I don’t know if they are right, but I think the White Sox don’t want to trade him. They think that, as their young players mature, contention is closer than most people think, and they see Robert Jr as part of their next playoff team.
As for Hoerner, since the Cubs absolutely positively aren’t going to trade him, I don’t see why people keep writing articles about that.
There is no way they consider him part of the future (I do agree they are closer than people think though). They just want to give him a couple months when he’ll hopefully look good so they can trade him at higher value. As it stands, they’d have to cover half his money just to get a B or C level prospect for him.
Alan, I also see Robert Jr often and besides his ability to stay healthy I question his heart. Since he got paid it looks to me that the desire isn’t the same
I am starting to wonder if Yankees do anything
Tell you what you can have Happ and James Tallion cheap. Nico Hoernervno dice
Chisox- Jazz is way more valuable than Robert. Jazz 31 home runs, 4.1 war, and a 125 ops+ in 25. Compared to Robert’s 14 home runs, 1.4 war, and 85 ops+. I know that Jazz only has 1 year of control left compared to 2 years of Luis Robert, but to keep Robert he will be 20 million each season. Which may be a good deal, but it could also be not worth it.
I think all the Hoerner talk is just lazy speculation, and pushing Shaw to super utility is a feature not a bug. Fills a team need and takes pressure off the young guy. I think if the Cubs really wanted to save money, which I also doubt, they could easily trade Taillon and it would be much less of a blow than losing Hoerner who is a team cornerstone.
Nico hoerner I’d have interest in as a lead off hitter for NY but at what cost and where is he playing? 2b and jazz to 3rd or the outfield? They would still need another bat. As for Robert no thanks!