The New York Yankees may have lost out on the biggest player in free agency this offseason in Juan Soto, but they're looking to remain active after Soto joined the Mets on a historic new deal.
The Yankees traded for All-Star reliever Devin Williams, and they also signed former Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried in free agency.
The Yankees are looking to keep their positive momentum after making it back to the World Series last season, and they're reportedly in talks to bring in another prominent player.
According to MLB insider Hector Gomez, the Yankees are "deep into talks on a trade" with the Chicago Cubs centered around Cody Bellinger.
Gomez says the Yankees want the Cubs to pay at least $10 million on Bellinger's contract before agreeing to the deal. The former National League MVP is set to make at least $52 million over the next two years on his current deal.
Bellinger was named the NL MVP during his time with the Dodgers, taking the award in 2019 after hitting 47 home runs, driving in 115 runs and posting an OPS of 1.035.
He would help the Dodgers win the World Series the following year in the pandemic-shortened season. After down seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Dodgers chose to let Bellinger walk in free agency, and he signed with the Chicago Cubs.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 07: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs watches his home run during the third inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 7, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Bellinger won the National League Comeback Player of the Year award in his first season as a Cub, hitting 26 home runs and driving in 97. He was also named a Silver Slugger that year for the first time since winning MVP back in 2019.
The Cubs may be willing to part with Bellinger after trading for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker this week, formerly of the Houston Astros.
If the Yankees can figure out a salary situation that makes sense for both sides, it sounds like they'll be able to bring Bellinger in.
After making the World Series but missing out on Soto, the Yankees are looking to keep applying pressure to the rest of the American League with big offseason moves.
