New York Yankees Linked to MVP Outfielder at Trade Deadline

The New York Yankees have been linked to one of the hottest potential trade chips at this season's MLB trade deadline.

Kade Kistner | Jun 23, 2023

Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Yankees

The New York Yankees need offensive reinforcements and this season's upcoming MLB trade deadline is the best time to add the additional difference makers.

One name that could be at the top of every team's wish list is Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger.

The New York Post mentioned Bellinger and his excellent fit with the Yankees.

Jon Heyman cites Bellinger's ability to play left field while also bring power as a left-handed hitter as the main reasons why the 2019 National League MVP would fit well with the Bronx club.

"If the Cubs sell, Cody Bellinger, a free agent after 2023, may be a nice fit for the Yankees as a left-handed hitter who could man left field and give the Yankees one of the game’s best defensive outfields," wrote Heyman.

Bellinger is currently on a one-year, $17.5 million contract and is due to become a free agent at the end of the season. After two seasons of injuries and down performance, Bellinger has burst back on the scene as a credible threat in the lineup and a Gold Glove defender in the field.

The left-hander is a rental and it is likely that he will be moved at the deadline, regardless of how the Cubs continue to perform.

It wouldn't take a massive haul to acquire his services, but the prospect capital won't be cheap either.

However, if New York wishes to seriously push for a World Series title then the addition of Bellinger will only help further the goal.

Published Jun 23, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is an editor for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.