MLB Insider Reportedly Links Yankees To Top Slugger On Trade Block

New York could make a major splash ahead of the trade deadline

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees may not currently hold a postseason spot, but they still certainly could make up some ground in the standings.

New York has dealt with a plethora of injuries this season but finally is starting to get healthy. Outfielder Aaron Judge hasn't seen any action since suffering a toe injury on June 3 but is making progress in his rehabilitation and should be back at some point shortly Plus, with the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline quickly approaching on August 1 the Yankees could add even more firepower into the lineup and make a run for a postseason spot. The Yankees currently are just two games out of a Wild Card spot even with all of the injuries. 

One spot where the Yankees could improve is in the outfield and one player the club reportedly could have interest in trading for is Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. 

"If I’m the Cubs, I would tell (Marcus Stroman) the club intends to re-sign him in free agency when our team will be better because we traded you now," Bowden said. "And, because so many teams could use a hitter like Bellinger — from the (Miami Marlins) to the (Cleveland Guardians) to the Yankees to the (San Diego Padres) and more — I would take advantage of that market and deal him too."

Bellinger has found his name in trade rumors recently and this isn't the first time New York has been mentioned as a possible suitor. The 2019 National League Most Valuable Player is having a resurgent season in Chicago and if he's made available through trade likely will be the best offensive player on the market. Bellinger has returned to star form with Chicago this season and is slashing .319/.369/.549 to go along with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs in 68 games so far this season. 

The 28-year-old has a mutual option in his contract and could become a free agent this upcoming offseason if he decided to do so. After such a bounce-back season it wouldn't be too surprising to see him choose to hit the open market and look for a bigger contract. The Yankees have the capital to get a deal done and Bellinger immediately would improve the club. Even if he's just a rental, the Yankees should look into making a big splash if they want to gain some ground in the standings and make a playoff run.