In a move that will shake up MLB’s 2025–26 transfer window, the New York Yankees are reportedly focusing their entire large budget on Cody Bellinger alone, making this trade the centerpiece of their offseason strategy and potentially reshaping the team’s future.
After finishing the 2025 season prematurely and missing the playoffs, the Yankees announced a cautious roster restructuring — spending “big money” only on a single star: Cody Bellinger. This has sent the entire baseball world into a frenzy as the Bronx team pours all its resources into a player who can both revitalize offense and strengthen defense.
Bellinger, 30, had a breakout 2025 season with the Yankees after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs last winter. In his first year in the pinstripes, he recorded .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, and achieved a 4.9 fWAR — second only to superstar Aaron Judge on the roster.
This performance transformed Bellinger from a secondary option into one of the most valuable players on the free market. Unsurprisingly, sources indicate the Yankees plan to dedicate their entire large budget this season to retaining him, rather than spreading their spending across multiple other players.
Instead of signing multiple large contracts for various positions, the Yankees are considering a long-term contract with Bellinger that could fetch a high price — even exceeding $150 million according to some market analysts.
The team under GM Brian Cashman seems to believe keeping Bellinger is the number one priority, especially as they must balance financial pressure and competitive roster salaries. This is a clear indication that the Yankees believe Bellinger can be the link between offense and defense, and a key factor in overcoming the playoff hurdle they failed to overcome last season.
Meanwhile, Cashman also admitted the team remains “open” to other options if the market or negotiations go in a different direction — but it all revolves around keeping Bellinger on the roster.
This strategy carries both significant risk and breakthrough potential. If the financial investment in Bellinger is successful, the Yankees will strengthen an offensive framework capable of competing for a championship. However, if Bellinger’s performance declines as it has in his career — where he has had seasons with lower OPS — it will be a bitter lesson in “going all-in.”
Yankee fans have been divided on social media:
Some fans are calling for the team to “keep Bellinger at all costs,” seeing him as the star of the future.
Others worry that spending too much on one player will stifle the ability to upgrade other positions.
The numbers speak for themselves:
.272/.334/.480 — Bellinger’s impressive slash line for the 2025 season.
29 home runs and 98 RBI — the team’s top offensive rating.
4.9 fWAR — second only to Judge at the Yankees last season, demonstrating his overall value.
His market value could reach over $180 million in the new contract.
The Yankees are taking a risky path this season: pouring their money into Cody Bellinger and him alone. A massive contract for Bellinger could be the key to unlocking the World Series — or it could be the Yankees’ biggest gamble in years.
With Bellinger now a free agent after rejecting a $25 million option for 2026 to test the market, this season promises to be one of the most exciting offseasons in Bronx history.
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