Gerrit Cole, coming off elbow surgery with an internal brace, is targeting a late-April return as the Yankees plot a careful ramp-up to a rotation boosted by top starters returning from injuries.
The New York Yankees reportedly re-signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal worth about $5 million or less, bringing the veteran back to the Bronx as a platoon option at first base and a leadership presence. New York is also seeking balance with a right-handed bat elsewhere, and Goldschmidt’s return helps cover first base and DH duties while the club runs back a similar roster. The deal carries CBT implications and comes amid chatter that other teams; Goldschmidt performed well against left-handed pitching and remains a trusted clubhouse presence as the Yankees navigate a full 40-man roster heading into spring training.
Paul Goldschmidt remains a potential Yankees target in MLB free agency, offering New York a chance to chase a championship even if the Padres emerge as a rival landing spot and Arizona seems less likely after adding Carlos Santana; the Yankees would likely need to offer more than the $1 million bid they made to Slater, with other right-handed options like Grichuk or Ty France also in the mix.
The column notes the Yankees’ ongoing search for a right-handed bat who can play multiple positions (first base, third base, and the outfield) while limiting strikeouts. With a lefty-dominant lineup and catchers (Rice, J.C. Escarra, and Austin Wells) also hitting left-handed, New York would benefit from balance alongside Wells, potentially enabling Escarra to be traded or used for depth at Triple-A. Rice is expected to remain at first base, underscoring the need for a flexible bat to complement Wells and stabilize the roster.
Reports link the Yankees to a Paul Goldschmidt reunion while also targeting Nick Martinez and Austin Slater, with Slater reportedly receiving a major-league offer earlier this offseason as New York reshapes its roster amid payroll and rotation questions.
The Yankees claimed outfielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Dodgers and designated right-hander Kaleb Ort for assignment, adding Siani to their outfield depth while Ort faces waivers; Siani provides speed and defense with limited hitting, while Ort has high velocity but spotty big-league results.
The Yankees plan to run back much of the 2025 roster, led by Cody Bellinger’s return, with a familiar lineup and rotation; despite bullpen questions, they’re favored to contend in the AL East in 2026 as spring training approaches.
Mets and Yankees quickly concluded they had no path to landing Tarik Skubal after brief talks; the Tigers, signaling a playoff push by signing two closers and extending manager A.J. Hinch, remain open to dealing him only for a huge return. The Mets showed interest in Framber Valdez but prefer short-term deals, while Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be exceptions to that rule.
New York Yankees re-sign Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract with opt-outs after years 2 and 3, a no-trade clause, and a $20 million signing bonus, following a standout Bronx season (29 HR, 98 RBI). While GM Brian Cashman spoke cautiously, longtime radio voice Suzyn Waldman led a crowd-pleasing moment praising the move and claimed Cashman beat Scott Boras in the negotiations.
The Mets acquired right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, giving up two top prospects (Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat) and Tobias Myers to fortify the top of their rotation, while the Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million deal to stabilize their outfield. The Peralta deal shifts the rotation market, as teams consider remaining front‑line arms like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen and plot additional upgrades.
The New York Yankees agreed to sign Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract with a $20 million signing bonus, opt-outs after years two and three, and a full no-trade clause, after a strong 2025 season (.272/.334/.480 with 29 homers). He returns to anchor the outfield near Aaron Judge and bolster defense, while the organization pivots toward pitching and roster flexibility, including potential use of Jasson Domínguez in trades.
After the Mets traded for Luis Robert Jr., Cody Bellinger's free-agent market narrowed, with the Yankees emerging as the favorite after reportedly presenting a five-year, $160 million offer with opt-outs; other teams have shown limited buzz, and while Boras has cited Giants, Reds and Angels as possible suitors, there hasn't been sustained interest, keeping the Yankees in the driver's seat for now.
Kyle Tucker’s high-value deal underscores the Dodgers’ financial heft and signals a shift in MLB power away from the Yankees’ traditional dominance; the move could push Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner to explore minority stakes or external investors to stay competitive as more teams rely on outside capital to fund payrolls and strategy.
The Yankees acquired left-hander Ryan Weathers from the Marlins in a surprise trade, linking a new era to his father David Weathers’ 1996 Yankees run and calling it a “full-circle moment.” If healthy, Ryan could compete for an Opening Day rotation spot as the team awaits Rodón and Cole, building on his recent injury-impacted seasons and strong raw stuff.
On July 12, 2025, the Chicago Cubs defeated the New York Yankees 5-2, stopping the Yankees' five-game winning streak. Matthew Boyd pitched eight scoreless innings, while Aaron Judge hit his 35th home run, becoming the fastest to reach 350 homers. Max Fried exited early due to a blister, and the Cubs' offense was led by Nico Hoerner and Carson Kelly.