The MLB offseason rumor mill is in full swing, and two of the league's most iconic franchises are making waves. The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in a reunion with former MVP Cody Bellinger, while the Boston Red Sox are actively shopping their starting pitching depth in potential trades.
Yankees Pursuing Cody Bellinger
After parting ways with Bellinger following the 2024 season, the Yankees are now eyeing a reunion with the star outfielder, according to MLB.com reports. The 30-year-old Bellinger is coming off a bounce-back campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he hit .290 with 35 home runs and 102 RBIs.
What this really means is that the Yankees are looking to bolster their offense after failing to make the playoffs in 2025. Bellinger would provide a proven power bat to complement their star-studded lineup, and his past MVP pedigree makes him an enticing target. The bigger picture here is that the Yankees are willing to spend big to get back to the top of the AL East.
Red Sox Explore Pitching Trades
On the other side of the rivalry, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly open to trading some of their starting pitching depth, as MLB Trade Rumors reports. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow stated that the team has "got pitching depth" and would be "willing to do it" if the right trade opportunity arises to address other areas of the roster.
Some of the names mentioned as potential trade chips include Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, and Connelly Early. The Red Sox have already made a couple of notable rotation additions this offseason, acquiring Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, so they appear to have enough depth to potentially move one or more of their young arms.
Implications Abound
These developments highlight the wheeling and dealing that characterizes the MLB offseason. The Yankees' pursuit of Bellinger signals their intent to reclaim their place atop the league, while the Red Sox's willingness to trade pitching depth shows they're looking to optimize their roster in creative ways.
As ESPN reports, rotation depth is more valuable than ever in today's game, so the Red Sox's moves could have a ripple effect across the league. Contending teams in need of starting pitching will surely be keeping a close eye on Boston's activities.
Ultimately, these storylines underscore the unpredictable nature of the MLB offseason and the intense competition between the game's most storied franchises. Fans of the Yankees, Red Sox, and the sport as a whole will be eagerly awaiting the next developments in these high-stakes sagas.