Yankees have no choice but to bring Cody Bellinger back

The New York Yankees find themselves in a difficult spot as spring training approaches.

Their offseason moves have revolved around bringing back essentially the same roster from 2025. Pitchers Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough and infielder Amed Rosario were re-signed. Outfielder Trent Grisham accepted the qualifying offer to return to New York for 2026. The Yankees' biggest moves to fortify the roster from the outside involved claiming reliever Caleb Ort off waivers from the Astros and trading for pitcher Ryan Weathers, hardly the type of additions that one would expect from a team with championship aspirations.

The Yankees are running out of options to upgrade their roster. Outfielder Kyle Tucker agreed to terms with the Dodgers on Thursday night, while infielder Bo Bichette agreed to terms with the Mets on Friday. The Yankees had been linked to both players in free agency. With both players off the market, outfielder Cody Bellinger is the best position player remaining.

Yankees facing competition to retain Cody Bellinger

The Yankees have been clear that bringing Bellinger back is the biggest priority of the offseason. Bellinger, meanwhile, has been vocal about his desire to return to New York despite opting out of his contract. However, the Yankees are not the only team interested in Bellinger, with the Mets, Phillies and Giants among the teams linked to the outfielder.

None of those teams needs Bellinger as much as the Yankees do. Their lineup, as presently constituted, will rely heavily upon Aaron Judge to produce. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is a dangerous power hitter when healthy, but has spent time on the Injured List every year since 2018. Bellinger, who produced a .272/.334/.480 batting line with 29 homers and 25 doubles over his 656 plate appearances proved he can help protect Judge in the lineup.

The Yankees have reportedly made a sizable offer to Bellinger, although the two sides differ on the length of the contract. As the Yankees do not have any fallback options should Bellinger sign elsewhere, they may need to go outside their comfort zone to bring him back. Otherwise, Bellinger could end up elsewhere, underscoring what has been a disappointing offseason for the Yankees.