The (supposed) BIG Move
- Paul Semendinger
- Nov 29, 2025
- 2 min read
November 29, 2025
***
Many Yankees fans are hoping that the Yankees make a big move this offseason.
Almost every fan is banking on one move especially...
They want this big time player, who they feel will be the difference maker in 2026.
This player:
Has had one career season with a WAR above 6.0 (and that was in 2019)
Has averaged 3.6 WAR over the past two seasons
Has averaged 3.3 WAR over the last four seasons
Has averaged 2.2 WAR over the last six seasons
Hasn't had a 30-home run season since 2019
Hasn't driven in 100 runs since 2019
Has a 105 OPS+ since 2021
Now, to be clear, I am a big fan of this player, as well. I think he's a great piece for a championship team, but I don't think he is THE piece.
I am, of course, talking about Cody Bellinger.
I started the call for the Yankees to get Bellinger in 2023. (It's actually fun to look back at that article and the comments. Some were writing in and saying that Spencer Jones would soon be playing for the Yanks. We are still waiting.)
Cody Bellinger would fit the Yankees well in 2026, but I'm not in favor of a long term deal. And I am not of the belief that he is the difference-maker so many believe that he will be.
Cody Bellinger is a nice piece as part of a championship squad. But he is not the impact bat that many think he is.
There is talk that he might end up being too expensive for the Yankees' tastes. That's a real possibility.
My concern is that if the Yankees sign him, he will be the Yankees' big move this off-season. And I fear that isn't nearly enough to make the Yankees a championship squad.
Bring back George and SPEND.
If Bellinger is THE big move, then the team would basically be repeating 2025 and we all saw the disastrous result of that season. They’ll likely make the playoffs because it’s becoming like the NHL where everyone does. But, running back the same team will end in the same way. I think it’s already a given that the Jays take the East with relative ease. Question is can the Yankees keep up with the sux for second place maybe even the Orioles for third. Not excited for 2026 at all.
Bellinger is the necessary move
and a pretty big deal
but the team's biggest need is to improve the pitching.
they have 4 fine starters in Fried, Cole, Rodon and Schlittler
they need another. a young ace.
that may have to wait until the new year
they also need to sign another reliever, one to challenge and/or dislodge Bednar as the closer.
this is not as big a move as signing Bellinger, but it's important.
the offense sufficed in 2025 and signing Bellinger will serve to allow to to again be sufficient,
but pitching is the heart of defense
I don't see Cody Bellinger being too expensive, I see the problem being the contract length. But yes, Bellinger because of his defensive versatility, is a big move. Between injuries and trades , having Cody here just gives them so much flexibility.
But the bigger move would be to sign the Bichette brother we didn't draft. Not only do you take him off the Jays roster, but he is a pretty good fit here too. I'm, good with him being the long term 2B or even 3B here depending on GLJ, and their 2025 Draft which had them take a whole bunch of infielders, including their top 2 picks. And a another one, they have seemed to already move…
Be not afraid!