The Yankees are finally making moves after a quiet winter, putting together a second offer for Cody Bellinger while exploring trade talks with the Marlins for right-hander Edward Cabrera.
For a team that’s mostly watched from the sidelines this offseason, the timing feels deliberate. The renewed pursuit of Bellinger suggests they think the market’s finally coming to them, while the Cabrera discussions show they’re working multiple angles at once.
Bellinger’s appeal is pretty clear. The 29-year-old hit .272/.334/.479 with 29 homers and 98 RBI last season, posting an .813 OPS that ranked well above league average. His 125 wRC+ reflects solid production, and he kept his strikeout rate manageable throughout the year.
What makes this different is his versatility. Bellinger can handle both corner outfield spots and first base, giving the Yankees flexibility they’ve been lacking. That’s valuable for a roster that still needs depth behind Aaron Judge.
The fact they’ve made a second offer tells you something. They’re not just kicking tires anymore.
On the pitching side, Cabrera represents a different kind of gamble. The 27-year-old posted a 3.53 ERA over 137⅔ innings last season, striking out 150 batters with solid control. His stuff has always caught evaluators’ attention, and he’s got multiple years of team control remaining.
But there’s risk here. Cabrera’s had durability issues, and his command can waver. Still, the Yankees have shown they’re willing to bet on arms they think can take that next step with the right coaching.
From where I’m sitting, this looks like a team that’s done waiting around. After weeks of fan frustration and calls for any kind of improvement, they’re testing multiple paths instead of putting all their eggs in one basket.
Whether either pursuit actually turns into a deal remains to be seen. But for the first time this winter, the Yankees seem ready to be more than just window shoppers.
