Yankees Notes: Bellinger, Williams, Lineup
The Yankees are gearing up for the 2026 season, with General Manager Brian Cashman providing insights into their strategy. One key player in the spotlight is Cody Bellinger, a free agent outfielder who has been a topic of conversation throughout the offseason. Cashman expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Bellinger back, praising his versatility and talent.
"Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us," Cashman stated. "I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. He’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties and righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him."
The Yankees' interest in Bellinger is well-documented, with a report suggesting they view Kyle Tucker as a backup plan if Bellinger isn't retained. However, Cashman confirmed that Tucker hasn't visited the Yankees' complex, indicating a potential shift in their strategy. Bellinger's strong performance in his first season in the Bronx, where he slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases, makes him a highly sought-after free agent.
The team's current lineup configuration presents a challenge. Cashman acknowledged that the roster is skewed towards left-handed batters, which could be a problem. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are the only right-handed hitters currently slated for regular at-bats, and the shortstop position will also likely be occupied by a right-handed batter. This right-left mix might be more pressing if the team struggled against left-handed pitching last season, but that wasn't the case. The Yankees led the league in OPS, wOBA, and wRC+ vs. left-handed pitching in 2025 and tied the Dodgers for the most home runs off southpaws.
To address this imbalance, the Yankees are considering George Lombard Jr., their top infield prospect. However, Cashman downplayed the possibility of Lombard making an immediate impact, citing his development on the hitting side. Despite hitting just .215 at Double-A last year, Lombard showed promise in High-A, with a notable increase in strikeout rate and 24 stolen bases.
In other news, the Yankees' pursuit of free agent reliever Devin Williams fell flat. Cashman confirmed that they never made an offer to Williams, who ultimately signed with the Mets on a three-year, $51MM deal. Williams' decision was influenced by the opportunity to be the closer, a role that the Mets' Edwin Diaz opted out of, creating an opening for Williams.
The Yankees' strategy for the 2026 lineup remains a work in progress, with Cashman navigating a balance between talent acquisition and lineup configuration. The team's approach to free agency and player development will shape their success in the upcoming season.
