The New York Yankees are preparing for alternative plans if they lose star outfielder Juan Soto in MLB free agency. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees could look to trade for Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger if Soto departs.
Nightengale suggests that if Soto leaves, the Yankees might pursue free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, sign either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third base, shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, and acquire Bellinger via trade. This would free up additional funds to target pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Blake Snell.
Bellinger, who is currently under a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs, has a player option for the final season. Although he remains a solid player, his performance hasn’t quite matched the hefty contract. Nightengale reports that the Cubs have been actively shopping Bellinger, but there has been little interest so far.
One GM noted that the risk associated with Bellinger’s contract—$27.5 million due this season alone—could deter teams from taking on the deal. Bellinger hit .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs last season, but his large salary and contract structure may require the Cubs to absorb some of the cost in a trade.
Any potential moves, including a deal for Bellinger, are likely on hold until Soto makes his decision. Soto has been meeting with interested teams in Southern California, and ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that teams will begin submitting formal offers in the coming days.
Soto is expected to land a historic contract, with some projections reaching up to $700 million. According to The Athletic, Soto is one of the most accomplished free agents to hit the market in recent years, coming off the best season of his career. His deal is expected to rival those of major stars like Shohei Ohtani, potentially pushing his contract value beyond $600 million.
