What now for Yankees after Cody Bellinger? Three ways Bombers can improve Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com January 23, 2026 at 3:44 AM 1 NEW YORK – By agreeing with Cody Bellinger on a new contract Wednesday, the Yankees' top offseason task was completed. But that doesn't end the winter work for GM Brian Cashman and company. Three weeks away from the start of spring training, the Yankees are still exploring upgrades to the pitching staff, along with righthanded hitting depth. And the potential for a significant trade exists, now that Bellinger is secured on a fiveyear, $162.
- - What now for Yankees after Cody Bellinger? Three ways Bombers can improve
Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com January 23, 2026 at 3:44 AM
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NEW YORK – By agreeing with Cody Bellinger on a new contract Wednesday, the Yankees' top offseason task was completed.
But that doesn't end the winter work for GM Brian Cashman and company.
Three weeks away from the start of spring training, the Yankees are still exploring upgrades to the pitching staff, along with right-handed hitting depth.
And the potential for a significant trade exists, now that Bellinger is secured on a five-year, $162.5 million free agent deal that includes opt-outs after years two and three.
This is now a crowded outfield, with Bellinger in left field, Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right, which impacts the playing time of switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez and lefty-hitting prospect Spencer Jones.
Let's examine where the Yankees might be exploring additional options for 2026:
Yankees' potential rotation targets
Current rotation: LHP Max Fried, RHP Cam Schlittler, RHP Luis Gil, RHP Will Warren, LHP Ryan Weathers.
On the injured list: RHP Gerrit Cole (June ETA), LHP Carlos Rodon (May), RHP Clarke Schmidt (September).
Current depth: RHP Paul Blackburn, LHP Ryan Yarbrough.
Summary: Several contenders, including the Yanks, had been tied to interest in Milwaukee Brewers' right-hander Freddy Peralta, the subject of trade discussion for months.
But late Wednesday night, as first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Mets closed out a stunning deal to land Peralta, earning a relative-bargain $8 million in 2026, his free agent walk year.
Washington Nationals lefty MacKenzie Gore is under team control through the 2028 season, but he's already set to earn $5.6 million this season with some expensive arbitration years ahead.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have some notable starting depth including right-hander Brady Singer, though he's earning $12.75 million in 2026, his free agent walk year.
The current Grand Canyon-sized arbitration gap between Tarik Skubal and the Tigers makes things interesting, but you'd anticipate Detroit going into 2026 with the game's best starter and re-evaluating at the trade deadline.
Though the Yanks are questionable to add a pricey free agent starter at this point, even on a one-year deal, the versatile Nick Martinez and Cooperstown-bound veterans Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander are intriguing options.
Yankees' potential bullpen targets
Sep 22, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero (59) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Current bullpen: LHPs Tim Hill, Brent Headrick; RHPs David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Fernando Cruz, Kaleb Ort, Cade Winquest.
Current depth: RHPs Jake Bird, Yerry de los Santos, Paul Blackburn; LHP Ryan Yarbrough.
Summary: St. Louis lefty JoJo Romero was linked to Yankees' interest earlier this winter, with the re-tooling Cardinals likely to remain active on the trade front.
Entering his free agent walk year, Romero posted a 200 ERA-plus last season and is due to earn $4.26 million in 2026.
Though the Yanks aren't heavily into this free agent market, a patient strategy might get them to take an inexpensive flyer here, with some interesting names such as right-hander Michael Kopech and lefty Danny Coulombe available.
In recent years, the Yankees have been adept at making under-the-radar deals for relievers - especially power right-handers with swing-and-miss ability that have yet to reach their potential.
And if the Yanks are seeking to move payroll here in a bigger trade, Doval is making over $6 million this season.
Yankees' potential right-handed hitting targets
Jun 28, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first base Paul Goldschmidt (48) singles during the sixth inning against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Current position players: 1B/C Ben Rice, 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., 3B Ryan McMahon, IF Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario, Oswaldo Cabrera; OF Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez; DH/OF Giancarlo Stanton; C Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra.
On the injured list: SS Anthony Volpe (ETA May).
Current depth: IF Paul DeJong, Braden Shewmake, Jorbit Vivas; OF Seth Brown, Spencer Jones; C Ben Rice.
Summary: There's room to add a right-handed hitting first baseman, a corner outfielder and possibly a catcher (to better complement the lefty-hitting Wells).
Free agent outfielders Austin Hays and Harrison Bader could see their markets accelerating now that the major free agents are off the board and Luis Robert Jr. is a Met, traded by the White Sox this week.
Paul Goldschmidt has designs on playing in 2026 and the 2025 Yankee remains in free agency, as does veteran Rhys Hoskins, whose career since 2023 has been hampered by injuries.
With their recent free agent signing of Victor Caratini, the Minnesota Twins might have a catching surplus.
Switch-hitting former All-Star catcher Jonah Heim remains in free agency, as does catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Miguel Andujar (who mashes lefty pitching) though the defensive shortcomings of both ex-Yankees is notable.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New York Yankees MLB trade rumors after Cody Bellinger contract
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Source: Sports
Published: January 23, 2026 at 01:27AM on Source: ANDY MAG
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