How Yankees' Cody Bellinger decision could lead to big trade rumors

How Yankees’ Cody Bellinger decision could lead to big trade rumors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees are entering a pivotal offseason, as their goal of re-signing Cody Bellinger is a main priority this winter.

While they’re also likely to be in on Kyle Tucker, the Yankees’ best bet this offseason is to bring back Bellinger after a successful 2025 season.

But, as Bryan Hoch of MLB.com notes, if one of Bellinger or Tucker signs with the Yankees, then the Yankees could be swept up in big trade rumors. Specifically, with Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez.

How Yankees could be swept up in trade rumors if Cody Bellinger re-signs

“Should they land one (of Bellinger or Tucker),” Hoch writes, “Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones could hear their names mentioned in trade rumors.”

The Yankees are trying to contend for a World Series in 2026, and holding onto both Dominguez and Jones, without any spot for them in the Major Leagues, makes little sense for the Yankees.

Instead, if they could be used as huge trade chips to improve the roster elsewhere, it would be a much better use of resources than letting them sit in the minor leagues or on the bench.

Neither Jones nor Dominguez should be in trade rumors until one of Bellinger or Tucker, or another top outfielder comes to New York in free agency.

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But, with New York’s intention to sign one of Bellinger or Tucker, Dominguez and Jones look to be headed towards trade rumors this winter.

Whether it’s to improve a spot on the roster, bolster the starting rotation, or land an elite bullpen arm, the Yankees’ offseason trade candidates could be changed with the signing of Bellinger or Tucker.

Both Dominguez and Jones should carry strong trade value, as they’ve been highly touted prospects in recent years, and should draw trade interest from around MLB.

If Bellinger or Tucker signs with the Yankees, Hoch expects that Dominguez and Jones could pop up in trade rumors, as the Yankees wouldn’t need both for the 2026 season.