🚨 NEW YORK YANKEES CLOSING IN ON MAJOR OFFSEASON DEAL: Could Bellinger and Cabrera Be the Key to Their Championship Hopes? 👇
The New York Yankees are making significant moves this offseason, with a potentially game-changing deal on the horizon. According to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the Yankees are reportedly closing in on an agreement with outfielder Cody Bellinger. If Bellinger accepts the Yankees’ second offer, it could set off a series of events that addresses one of the team’s most pressing concerns: their starting pitching.
Bellinger’s Return Could Trigger Key Roster Moves for the Yankees
The Yankees are not just focusing on adding Bellinger to their outfield. They are also in talks with the Miami Marlins regarding starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. If Bellinger re-signs with New York, the Yankees would have the flexibility to trade away one or both of their highly regarded young outfielders—Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez. This would make room for a pitcher like Cabrera, addressing the team’s rotation issues without sacrificing too much from their core.
Recent trade history between the Yankees and Marlins, particularly during the 2024 offseason, makes this connection all the more plausible. The Yankees have been active in the trade market and could look to bolster their rotation by dealing away one of their young outfielders to land Cabrera.
Cody Bellinger’s Market Continues to Heat Up
Bellinger was initially expected to land a hefty contract of seven years for $182 million, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. However, as the offseason progresses, that figure has become less certain. In December, YES Network’s Jack Curry reported that the Yankees had not made significant progress toward a deal with Bellinger. His agent, Scott Boras, also noted at the Winter Meetings that ten teams were actively pursuing the star outfielder.
While the deal’s specifics remain up in the air, the Yankees’ interest in bringing Bellinger back is clear. If he agrees to the Yankees’ offer, Bellinger would not only strengthen the outfield but also create the opportunity for further roster adjustments that could help the Yankees solidify their pitching staff.
Edward Cabrera: The Missing Piece for the Yankees’ Rotation?
As the Yankees continue to evaluate their pitching options, Edward Cabrera, the 27-year-old starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins, could be the key addition to their rotation. Cabrera posted a solid 3.53 ERA in 2025 over 26 starts and has spent his entire career with the Marlins. He offers a level of stability and depth that could give anxious Yankees fans some peace of mind.
With an aging and injury-prone rotation, Cabrera would provide valuable insurance for the Yankees heading into the 2026 season. Yankees starters Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodon, and Gerrit Cole are all recovering from surgeries and are expected to miss Opening Day. Rodon and Cole, both over 30, could take longer to return to form, making Cabrera an important potential addition to bridge the gap until their primary starters are fully healthy.
Challenges Facing the Yankees’ Starting Rotation
The Yankees’ rotation is one of the most important areas of concern heading into the new season. With three key starters recovering from surgery, the Yankees are relying on a lot of uncertainty. While Cole, Rodon, and Schmidt are all capable pitchers when healthy, the question remains whether they can stay healthy and perform at their usual high levels.
If the Yankees face injuries or slow returns from their top pitchers, Cabrera could provide a solid backup plan. Additionally, with names like Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough in the mix for potential rotation spots, there are still a lot of question marks surrounding the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that he would “love” to land another starting pitcher this offseason, despite manager Aaron Boone’s comments that the team doesn’t “necessarily” need one. But adding a pitcher like Cabrera would significantly strengthen the team’s rotation, especially if any of their current pitchers struggle or suffer setbacks.
The Impact of Bellinger’s Decision on the Yankees’ Offseason Strategy
At this point, the Yankees’ future moves hinge on Cody Bellinger’s decision. If Bellinger decides to rejoin the Yankees, the team will likely have the flexibility to make a trade involving one of their young outfielders. This could open the door for a trade with the Marlins to acquire Cabrera, addressing one of the Yankees’ biggest weaknesses heading into 2026.
Cabrera’s addition would provide the Yankees with much-needed depth in the rotation, ensuring they have a reliable starter even if one of their injured pitchers doesn’t return to form immediately. With the Yankees’ playoff hopes in mind, this strategic move could give them the upper hand in the race for the division and beyond.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
As the Yankees move closer to securing Bellinger, their offseason plans will become clearer. If they can lock up Bellinger and trade for Cabrera, they could solidify their roster and improve both their outfield and pitching staff. However, the clock is ticking, and with multiple teams vying for Bellinger’s services, the Yankees will need to act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on this opportunity.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Yankees as they look to position themselves as serious contenders in the 2026 season. With a combination of young talent and veteran experience, the Yankees could be on the verge of making the moves necessary to return to championship contention.
Could This Be the Year the Yankees Finally Make Their Pitching Staff Championship-Ready?
For fans of the Yankees, the offseason drama is only just beginning. With Bellinger potentially returning to the team and Cabrera on the horizon, the Yankees could make a serious push for the 2026 season. But as always, the road to the postseason is filled with uncertainty, and the Yankees must make their decisions carefully to ensure that they are in the best position to compete when the season begins.
