The New York Yankees finally made that big off-season signing, but surprisingly, it wasn’t on a legitimate starting pitcher.
Slugging outfielder Cody Bellinger re-signs with Yankees
Heading into the winter, it was clear to those who followed the Bronx Bombers that they were badly in need of starting pitching.
Last season, the Yankees lost two dominant pitchers, including 35-year-old, former 2023 CY Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, who, in March, underwent Tommy John Surgery and, after missing all of last year, won’t be back to start this season.
Meanwhile, 29-year-old starter, Clarke Schmidt, who last July had his second Tommy John Surgery, won’t be back with the Yankees until after the 2026 All-Star break.
Besides these two workhorses, who account for 176 wins and 2,635 strikeouts over 2,352.0 innings, they will also be without another dominant starter in lefty Carlos Rodon, who following a season which saw him go 18-9 with 203 strikeouts over 195 innings, underwent surgery this off-season to remove bone spur from his left elbow. He isn’t scheduled to come back until late April or early May.
While the Yankees do have some quality arms in Max Fried, Luis Gil and young Cam Schlittler, to name a few, truth be told, in a tough American East Division, a team like the Yankees can’t afford to fall behind in the standings while waiting for their pitchers to get healthy.
This is especially true after their AL East Division rival Boston Red Sox went out and improved their pitching staff by getting three time All-Star Sonny Gray and Ranger Suarez. Another division rival in last year’s World Series finalist Toronto Blue Jays went out and signed fireball starting pitcher Dylan Cease, who registered 439 strikeouts over the past two-seasons as a San Diego Padre.
Instead of keeping up with Boston and Toronto in the arms-race, the Yankees made a big move by re-signing on January 21, 2026 a familiar face in veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger to a five-year $162.5 million dollar contract.
Bellinger, who back on December 17, 2024, was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Yankees is coming off a solid season in the Bronx which saw this gifted 30 year-old produce 160 hits, 29 homeruns and 98 RBI’s along with a 272 batting average.
Following the season Bellinger, as a free agent, had many teams after him including the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets to name just a couple. But at the end of the day, Bellinger, decided to remain a Yankee.
Bellinger makes baseball history in first year as a Yankee
Without question, Bellinger’s finest hour last season as a Yankee occurred on Friday, July 11th when at Yankee Stadium, he made baseball history when against his former team the Cubs, he hit three-runs to become the first major leaguer to slug three round trippers in the first game against their former team.
Bellinger had a game to remember as he also produced six RBI’s and extended his hitting streak to 16 games.
Following his third home run, which came in the eighth inning, the Yankee Stadium faithful displayed their love when 46,327 fans showed their love with a thunderous ovation which resulted in the slugger coming out for a curtain call.
Prior to signing with Yankees, Bellinger’s decision came down to four specific teams
According to New York Post baseball reporter Jon Heyman, Bellinger’s decision of where to sign came down to four teams. Two of these teams included the Yankees and New York Mets while the other two teams were not identified. The Mets, who of course lost first baseman Pete Alonso, stepped up their offer to Bellinger after failing to sign outfielder Kyle Tucker.
However, in the end, Bellinger has returned to the Bronx where he will once again form a powerful outfield consisting of Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham who slugged 34 home runs last year.
Now, the Yankees need some starting pitching if they hope to keep up with the Jays and Red Sox.
Main Image: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
