A bold takeaway anchors the discussion: the Yankees face a clear, stubborn imbalance in their lineup, and the path to fixing it hinges on how aggressively they pursue right-handed options. The latest chatter from Winter Meetings reveals New York is actively pursuing Cody Bellinger while keeping an open mind to trades and other free-agent possibilities to balance their hammers and cushions in the batting order.
Orlando, Florida, provides the backdrop where general manager Brian Cashman spoke about keeping Bellinger in the loop. He recently spoke with Boras, Bellinger’s agent, continuing a conversation that underscores how valuable Bellinger’s all-around skill set is to the Yankees. Cashman didn’t reveal if any offers have gone out, but he reiterated a return by Bellinger would be optimal for the club.
"He was an impactful player for us last year, and we’d love to have him back," Cashman said. The dynamic now differs from last winter when uncertainty over Soto’s price and destination effectively froze other decisions. This year, the team is exploring multiple avenues in parallel rather than waiting on a single star to decide.
A tangible benefit for the Yankees if Bellinger returns is stability in the outfield with Judge and Grisham also in the mix. But Cashman stresses openness to other routes if markets shift or better matches appear, including potential challenge trades that could recalibrate the roster’s strengths.
Bellinger is praised as a versatile asset who handles multiple positions and hits from both sides, a trait the Yankees value given their left-handed tilt. He had a meaningful season for New York, and his return would be welcomed not only for his bat but for the balance he provides in a lineup that currently leans left-handed.
Despite this appeal, adding Bellinger would intensify the left-handed bias in the projected Opening Day lineup. If six of the nine starters were left-handed hitters, the Yankees would need to rely more on their switch-hitters—Jasson Domínguez and Oswaldo Cabrera—to mitigate the imbalance. The club’s plate appearances against left-handed pitching have been low for right-handed hitters, a gap Cashman has previously tried to close with marginal acquisitions like Amed Rosario and Austin Slater during the season.
The value of a platoon advantage is well established, and it’s something New York could leverage more consistently. When the team had a favorable platoon situation, their offense shone, posting a strong wRC+ that trailed only a few teams in the league during those windows. This strategic emphasis naturally points toward seeking efficient right-handed batters who can thrive against left-handed pitching.
Among notable options this offseason are right-handed sluggers Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Pete Alonso. However, all three are entrenched at positions the Yankees currently cover and command sizable price tags, making salary and fit critical constraints. Consequently, the front office is poised to explore trades that bring in right-handed production without sacrificing on-field balance.
"We are open-minded to challenge trades on a lot of our talented players because, yes, we are left-handed. That is a problem," Cashman acknowledged. The question is whether such problems can be resolved quickly or require a longer horizon. He recalled past deadlines where acquisitions—like Giancarlo Stanton and Paul Goldschmidt—helped widen the manager’s options, suggesting a similar approach could be necessary again this year.
The trade landscape includes several potential targets who could appeal as right-handed fixes, such as Wilson Contreras (open to waiving his no-trade clause), Ketel Marte (second base), Alec Bohm (third base), and Spencer Steer (utility). Yet, market realities and positional fits constrain options, and some high-profile stars—like Byron Buxton—appear less likely to move.
One internal candidate who could be a cost-effective right-handed addition, should a move be pursued, is J.C. Escarra. A left-handed hitter with upside as a catcher and a strong defensive profile, Escarra could contribute in multiple ways. Cashman, however, warns against simply adding a right-handed bat for the sake of balance; catching remains a thin market, and the club won’t settle for a subpar option merely to alter the handedness equation.
The mention of potential challenge trades also signals that Jazz Chisholm Jr.—a dynamic, switch-leaning second baseman who posted a notable 30-30 season—could surface in rumors. Chisholm’s value is high, and his future with the Yankees could hinge on the willingness of opposing teams to strike a deal while weighing long-term plan and flexibility. Cashman praises Chisholm’s contributions but remains cautious about overhauling a roster built around specific strengths.
Overall, the Yankees face a clear imperative: improve the roster’s right-handed balance while maintaining or enhancing overall competitiveness. Cashman emphasizes openness to multiple avenues—free agency, trades, and potential two-way changes in how the lineup is configured—to ensure the team isn’t pinned to a single path. The goal is to strengthen a lineup that, while talented, benefits from a more even-handed approach to handle diverse pitching matchups. The coming weeks will reveal how aggressively the Yankees pursue these options and which trades or signings ultimately come to fruition, shaping the team’s trajectory for the season ahead.
