What Free Agent Pieces Will Complete the New York Yankee 2025 Puzzle?
The New York Yankees appear to have taken the first important steps to avoid any lingering after-effects of losing superstar Juan Soto via free agency to their eternal cross-town brothers, the New York Mets. In an attempt to make the Yankees whole, GM Brian Cashman struck immediately by acquiring top-line starter Max Fried. Then, out of the blue, the Yankees reinforced the bullpen at the back end via trade with the Milwaukee Brewers by adding an electric, elite closer in Devin Williams. This was a classic Cashman move that no one saw coming. However, what remains is the offensive side of the equation, namely closing the two infield and one outfield holes that still need to be addressed.
The Houston Astros flipped the script by denying the Yankees the opportunity to trade for Kyle Tucker, one of the best outfielders in baseball. Tucker would have been a natural pick with a natural lefty stroke made for Yankee Stadium. However, Houston sent Tucker to the Chicago Cubs instead when it was reported that the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil was not offered as part of a trade package. This was a missed opportunity that now forces the Yankees to be creative by filling these holes in a number of ways.
Cody Bellinger appears to be the choice. The winds are blowing towards the Yankees as they are one of the few who may be willing to take on his contract which has two years and $52 million dollars remaining. This is the acquisition that must happen. It sets into play all other scenarios. The Cub, by getting Kyle Tucker, makes it clear that Bellinger is now an albatross that the Chicago Cubs must remove from their necks. By acquiring Bellinger; it gives the Yankees a player who plays first base and center-field equally well. Cody would do well as a lefty in a lineup that lost three lefty batters in 2024. Cody also would be very motivated as he is the son of Clay Bellinger, who won World Series Championships with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000.
The Yankees have the option of playing Cody at first which would allow Jasson Dominguez to move to his more comfortable position in center. This would require the Yankees to be aggressive in getting a free agent from the Baltimore Orioles in Anthony Santander or a Teoscar Hernandez from the 2024 World champion Los Angeles Dodgers to play left. Another choice would have Bellinger play left field with Dominquez in center and Aaron Judge in right field making the outfield superior to the 2024 vintage. If the Yankees choose to move Bellinger to center, then Dominguez is reduced to a trade chip.
In addition to adding Bellinger the New York Yankees could go after Houston Astro free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who is one of the best at that position. This would cost money but would allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to move to his more natural position at second and with Cody at first seriously upgrading the infield with elite gloves at the corners along with Anthony Volpe and Jazz as their athletic centers.
The final scenario is the one where Bellinger is either used in center primarily or does not come to the Yankees. Then this would require re-visiting Christian Walker and giving the extra year or dealing with Scott Boras again for Pete Alonso. Paul Goldschmidt or Carlos Santana, both of which are in their late 30’s. This does not even answer the second base vacancy which has equally unattractive choices such as Adam Frazier, Brandon Drury, or Amed Rosario. The choices are there. However, the puzzle remains complete and one thing is for certain. If Cody Bellinger is not a Yankee, then Cashman intends to shop at the thrift market and that is not a fit for a championship puzzle with a very short window to complete.
