Yankees Reportedly 'Co-Favorites' To Land Star Slugger In Free Agency

New York is in the mix to land one of the best offensive players in baseball this offseason

The New York Yankees could end up landing the best offensive player available in free agency not named Shohei Ohtani.

New York needs to improve its offense this offseason in a major way and has been linked to the top bat available on numerous occasions. Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger is available and the Yankees reportedly are "co-favorites" to sign him, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale. 

"The Yankees and San Francisco Giants are widely viewed as the co-favorites now to sign free-agent center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger," Nightengale said. "The Yankees would love to have Bellinger and Juan Soto roaming their outfield, while the (San Francisco Giants) would also like to have free-agent Matt Chapman playing third base for them."

Bellinger has been mentioned as a target for the Yankees since the beginning of the 2023 season. New York was mentioned as a possible trade partner for Bellinger's services ahead of the trade deadline but the Cubs ultimately didn't end up trading him away. Bellinger now is available again and the Yankees sound like they are interested in bringing him in.

A move makes perfect sense. The Yankees need help in the outfield and need to improve their anemic offense. Bellinger would provide above-average defense and a very solid bat in the middle of the lineup. The 28-year-old is going to land a massive contract this offseason but the Yankees can afford him. Bellinger shined in 2023 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and a .307/.356/.525 slash line. 

New York needs some help in the middle of the lineup and it sounds like they actually could end up landing Bellinger.