Wednesday, Cody Bellinger was officially re-introduced to the New York Yankees. Just one week ago, the Yankees made the biggest splash of their offseason, resigning Bellinger to a five year, $162.5 million deal, with two opt-outs. Today, Bellinger, as well as manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman met the media to discuss the Bellinger deal, and the rest of the Yankees offseason.
Cody Bellinger
Bellinger seemed very upbeat and happy to be back with the Yankees and in their organization. “The locker room and everything is a really special environment. Yankee Stadium was a special place to play and I really enjoyed my time.” Bellinger said. His numbers at Yankee Stadium were fantastic in 2025, and it’s by far the best fit for his swing.
Bellinger also talked about his free agency, citing that he was unsure if he would return to the Bronx at some points throughout the process. “There’s many different things, there’s many different variables and different interests and usually it’s, you get a bunch of interests and then certain days where it all really starts to pick up.” He said. “And, that’s when I’m on the phone with Scott and he’s telling me everything that’s going on. He’s keeping me in the loop and I’m just there to listen and to express how I feel and take it all in and mostly we just make the right decisions for me and my family.”
Bellinger also mentioned his top priority is winning. “That’s the main goal here is to have a parade down the city of New York.” he said.
Bellinger also said that Aaron Judge was in communication throughout his free agency. Though Bellinger noted the conversations with Judge were “nothing too serious”.
Bellinger spoke too about Judge’s leadership. “We all know what he does on the field.” said Bellinger. “It’s truly special, but just what he brings into the locker room, what he brings as a teammate, and the confidence that he instills and everyone in that locker room, he’s a huge part of the success of this organization.”
Aaron Boone
On Bellinger:
Yankees skipper Aaron Boone also met with the media today. He lead off by talking about the return of Bellinger to the Bronx and how he found out. “I was actually in my office in Yankee Stadium. when the news broke.” He said. “So the handful of us that were down in the clubhouse, there was a little rumble through the clubhouse in our excitement to get Cody back.”
“He fits us so well, but, you know, his ability to play our tough left field, but then legitimately not be able to stand in center, but go legit, go play center.” Boone added. “I didn’t play him a lot at first base last year, the handful of times I did, It was like, well, this guy’s, you appreciate what an outstanding athlete is. You see him, a ball going the gap, but a tie game in the 8th and he is flying around the bases to score.”
On the Outfield:
Boone also touched on both Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones‘ position on the roster with Bellinger back in the fold.
“The reality is that those things, we’ve got Cody, obviously, in the right back in the center of the mix and Grish’s back. So, yeah, that maybe complicates some things for them, but, um, we also know what potentially outstanding players they’re going to be in this league.”
Boone also noted that things happen in Baseball, like injuries that could create the opportunities for Dominguez and Jones to play.
Also, it’s doubtful that either Jones or Dominguez are moves with Trent Grisham on a one year deal and the uncertainty that is Giancarlo Stanton’s health. The Yankees having the ability to plug in MLB-Ready players to replace Stanton is an asset to the team.
Boone also provided an update on Aaron Judge, saying his elbow is fine and he is ramping up like normal for the World Baseball Classic.
On the overall Roster:
The Yankees also made a minor trade today to acquire RHP Angel Chivilli. Bone also spoke on that.
“It’s a young man with with talent that I’m sure a lot of our guys in the front office identified some things where maybe we could tweak some things and hopefully not only add to our depth but hopefully see a young man kind of still blossom in his career.”
TRADE: The Yankees are acquiring RHP Angel Chivilli from the Colorado Rockies for minor league first baseman TJ Rumfield.
Chivilli made his MLB debut in 2024 showing early promise with a 4.55 ERA and a unique streak of issuing no walks in his first 12 appearances.
His… pic.twitter.com/C3QKe8IXsN
— Matthew Nethercott (@mnethercott_) January 28, 2026
It’s been storied this offseason that the Yankees are trying to “run it back” with a similar roster.
“I’ve talked to a lot of you guys about this.” Boone said, referring to his many pressers at the end of the season.”At the end of last year, in so many ways, it’s as good as I felt about our team heading into the postseason in the years that I’ve been here. Obviously we got beat up in the division round, it didn’t go our way, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to go our way the next time.”
He also mentioned the improvements made around the Yankees in the AL East and going into the season with the likes of Amed Rosario for a full season being a major impact.
Brian Cashman
On Bellinger:
Cashman began his presser, like Boone, by speaking about bringing Bellinger back. “Hell of a baseball player.” The GM said. you Really talented, multi-positional, talented, middle lineup type that. Extremely intelligent player, just provides a lot of security, a lot of flexibility, a lot of consistency. So, there is no reason not to attempt to bring him back. ”
He also spoke on dealing with Bellinger’s agent Scott Boras in the negotiations, saying “We [The Yankees] were negotiating a titan, Scott Boras.” Cashman allotted to the fact that there were multiple people involved in the negotiations on the Yankees behalf, citing owner Hal Steinbrenner and team president Randy Levine. Cashman also thanked the Steinbrenner family for the financial resources to sign Bellinger.
International Scouting Director
Yesterday, a report surfaced that the Yankees have hired a new Director of International Scouting, Mario Garza. Cashman spoke on the hire today.
“Ultimately when you’re making decisions like this, they’re always tough decisions to make, but Mario is someone we’re very familiar with, speak Spanish, uh, is worked in a player development department for quite some time.”
Cashman added that Garza is set to “relaunch that department”, citing the shortcomings that the Yankees international scouting department has had in recent seasons.
On the Pitching:
Cashman gave more insight on the Yankees acquiring Chivilli earlier today and why the Yankees made that move.
“23 year old power arm that’s got a tool baggage that’s pretty exciting.” He said. “He’s got some flexibility because his notion remaining. And so he’s got a year service, some experience, he’s got a tremendous fastball that plays and a slider. And I think there’s a lot to work with there”
He also talked about the acquisition of Ryan Weathers two weeks ago. “Hopefully we together can unlock some things and his healthier years are right in front of him here in pinstripes.” Cashman said. “The talent has never been in question””
Cashman noted that the bullpen right now is “A work in progress with a lot of quality choices.” He said to stay tuned for possible additions, as the team is still looking, but they are comfortable with their depth.
Injury Updates
Cashman also spoke about Anthony Volpe. Volpe is currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He mentioned that Volpe is in Tampa and is “doing great” and is “working his tail off”. Multiple times throughout the press conference, Cashman mentioned that Volpe will be re-inserted at shortstop when he is fully healthy.
Cashman also said that Carlos Rodon is down in Tampa beginning to ramp up and Gerrit Cole is on his way down. He mentioned that both players are on track for their returns and there have been “no surprises” in their return to the dimond.
Cashman finished up his presser by touting up his roster. “I disagree it’s the same team running it back. I’ve been openly willing to challenge anybody that we don’t have a championship caliber roster”
The Yankees are now two weeks out from Spring Training with most of their roster set. With most projections projecting the Yankees to win the American League, let’s see if they live up to expectations.
(Top Image Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images)
