The New York Yankees have turned to the trade market as they wait for Cody Bellinger.
The New York Yankees have made it abundantly clear all offseason that re-signing Cody Bellinger is their top priority, but it has become more complicated than they were likely anticipating.
Of course, the fact that Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette all landed average annual values well above what most were expecting has certainly played a role, and we also can't forget that Bellinger is a Scott Boras client.
Bellinger is the top position player remaining on the free-agent market, but with the former NL MVP's status in limbo, the Yankees are turning their attention elsewhere.
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic has reported that New York has shifted its eyes toward the trade market with Bellinger talks seemingly at a standstill.
"As the Yankees wait for Bellinger, they have turned their attention to the trade market, so they’re ready to move on from him if they find a deal to their liking, or are prepared to pivot should he sign elsewhere," Kuty wrote.
This would indicate that the Yankees may be pursuing a trade for another bat, but Kuty specifically named Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta as a candidate.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta. Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images.New York could certainly re-sign Bellinger and also trade for Peralta, as the two players are obviously not mutually exclusive.
St. Louis Cardinals super utility man Brendan Donovan has been pitched as a potential trade target for the Yanks, which would make sense given Donovan's ability to play a variety of different positions, including left field.
Otherwise, the trade market seems rather thin right now.
The Arizona Diamondbacks pulled second baseman Ketel Marte off the block, and there really aren't any other star players available. At least that we know of.
It's entirely possible that the Yankees are engaging in trade discussions behind the scenes and could pull off a surprise deal, much like they did when they acquired Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins early last week.
New York has reportedly offered Bellinger a five-year contract worth between $155-160 million, but the 30-year-old evidently wants closer to $36-37 million. He also appears to want a longer-term contract, which is why teams like the New York Mets don't seem to be in the driver's seat to land him.
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