Yankees Sign Cody Bellinger, Target Japanese Ace Roki Sasaki

Yankees Sign Cody Bellinger, Target Japanese Ace Roki Sasaki \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Yankees have acquired former NL MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, addressing key roster needs after missing out on Juan Soto. The team also signed ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal and closer Devin Williams from the Brewers. GM Brian Cashman is pursuing Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, while manager Aaron Boone is optimistic about the Yankees’ offseason moves.

Yankees Bolster Roster with Cody Bellinger, Fried, and Williams: Quick Looks

• Cody Bellinger joins the Yankees on a two-year, $52.5 million deal with a 2026 option.
• The Yankees signed Max Fried for $218 million and traded for closer Devin Williams.
• Brian Cashman confirmed interest in Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki ahead of his January availability.
• Bellinger, a former MVP, brings defensive versatility and a powerful left-handed bat.
• Manager Aaron Boone praised Bellinger’s attitude and expects him to thrive in Yankee Stadium.

Deep Look

The New York Yankees have wasted no time retooling their roster after losing out on free-agent superstar Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking $765 million deal with the New York Mets. In a series of impactful moves, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman acquired Cody Bellinger, a former NL MVP, from the Chicago Cubs, signed left-hander Max Fried to a lucrative eight-year deal, and traded for All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Cody Bellinger: A Familiar Name

Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP, joins the Yankees on a two-year contract worth $52.5 million, with a $25 million player option for 2026. His connection to the Yankees runs deep—his father, Clay Bellinger, played for the team from 1999 to 2001, winning two World Series titles.

“I acquired his dad back in the day. Now I’ve acquired his son,” Cashman joked.

Bellinger is expected to play either outfield or first base, depending on other roster moves. Despite a middling .266 average, 18 homers, and 78 RBIs in 130 games last season, manager Aaron Boone is optimistic about his fit in Yankee Stadium.

“Offensively speaking, he’ll play up in our yard. He’s still a young man and a really good athlete,” Boone said.

Bellinger’s versatility and willingness to adapt impressed Boone during their conversation.

“He said, ‘Don’t worry about where you play me. Wherever you need me, I’ll be ready,’” Boone recalled.

Other Offseason Moves

Bellinger is just one piece of the Yankees’ aggressive offseason strategy.

1. Max Fried’s Arrival
   The Yankees signed Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, strengthening their rotation. Fried, a left-handed ace, brings consistency and experience, adding depth behind Gerrit Cole.
2. Devin Williams as Closer
   Acquired from the Brewers, Devin Williams will take over as the team’s primary closer. Boone assured Luke Weaver, another key reliever, that he will still have a significant role in high-leverage situations.“Devin will be our closer, but I anticipate Weaver closing some games on certain nights,” Boone explained.
3. Roki Sasaki Targeted
   Cashman confirmed that the Yankees are in discussions to sign Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old pitcher with elite talent. Sasaki is eligible to sign with MLB teams in January, and Cashman is optimistic about the Yankees’ chances.“He has a chance to be one of the world’s great pitchers,” Cashman said.

However, due to MLB rules, Sasaki’s signing is subject to international bonus pool limitations. The Yankees are capped at $5.3 million, which they hope will be enough to secure the pitching sensation.

Cashman’s Response to Soto’s Departure

After losing out on Juan Soto to the Mets, Cashman appeared to take a subtle dig, emphasizing the Yankees’ acquisition of players who truly want to wear pinstripes.

“Someone that wants to be here,” Cashman said of Bellinger.

Soto’s record-setting deal with the Mets left the Yankees exploring other avenues to bolster their lineup and pitching staff.

The Financials of the Bellinger Deal

Bellinger’s contract includes a $27.5 million salary for 2024 and a $25 million option for 2026, with a $5 million buyout. The Cubs agreed to send the Yankees $5 million in conditional payments, depending on whether the option is exercised.

Health and Performance Outlook

Bellinger has struggled to recapture the MVP form of his 2019 season, when he posted a 1.035 OPS and hit 47 home runs. His OPS has exceeded .800 just once in the past five years. Injuries have also hampered his performance, including a broken rib that sidelined him for part of last season.

Boone is hopeful that Bellinger’s offensive potential and defensive flexibility will shine in Yankee Stadium.

“At the very least, I know we’re getting a really valuable player,” Boone said.

Playoff Aspirations

With Bellinger’s arrival, Fried bolstering the rotation, and Williams locking down the bullpen, the Yankees are positioning themselves as strong contenders for the upcoming season. Cashman’s focus on both proven talent and emerging stars like Sasaki reflects a commitment to remaining competitive in the AL East.

Conclusion

The Yankees’ offseason moves highlight a strategic pivot after missing out on Juan Soto. By acquiring Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, and Devin Williams, and pursuing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, Brian Cashman has signaled a clear intent to keep the Yankees in contention. As the team gears up for spring training, these new additions offer both excitement and potential as they aim to bring championship baseball back to the Bronx.

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