4 Cody Bellinger destinations that would absolutely crush the Yankees' offseason

Losing a key player you'd like to retain is always tough, but sometimes where he lands is the true knife in the back. For the New York Yankees, retaining Cody Bellinger should be a top priority, though they've already hedged their bets on him leaving in the most head-scratching way possible.

Bellinger is expected to have an extremely robust market this winter, and with that, it's very likely he finds himself suiting up elsewhere in 2026. Of all of his rumored destinations, these four stand out as the ones that would be absolutely disastrous for the Yankees.

4 Cody Bellinger landing spots that would be devastating to the Yankees

New York Mets

Could it be Deja vu all over again? Bellinger was a big part of the Yankees saving face after coming up empty in their attempt to retain Juan Soto, watching him move to the other side of the East River. Losing one of the main consolation prizes to the same rival would be another dagger to the heart.

The New York tabloids would have a field day, with the big brother-little brother narrative being trotted out once more. Not only would that torture Yankee fans, but it might lead some to believe the Bombers have finally lost their mojo.

The Mets have reportedly been eyeing Bellinger for some time, with a report from Jon Heyman back in August first hinting at their plans to make a run at the Yankees star. For the Mets, Bellinger would fit like a glove as either a massive upgrade in center or a potential Pete Alonso replacement. With both New York clubs gearing up for a World Series run, the final embarrassment for the Yankees would be if the two ran into each other in the Fall Classic.

Boston Red Sox

What was once commonplace now seems relatively infrequent, but the hot stove rivalry between these arch enemies could rekindle with Bellinger at the center of it.

Both the Yankees and Red Sox have a lot of work to do this winter. From Boston's perspective, Bellinger's fit isn't immediately clear unless you look a little harder. Their outfield is crowded, but Triston Casas might not be ready to go on Opening Day at first base, and they're thought to be looking to upgrade their offense at that position.

A Bellinger signing could also open the door for a Jarren Duran trade, allowing Boston to kill two birds with one stone and improve their club dramatically. Losing a key cog to a division rival, especially one as hated as Boston, is a wound that would be sure to fester.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have repeatedly bested the Yankees when the two compete for the same talent in recent years. Yoshinobu Yamamoto proved that the Dodgers, and not the Yankees, are the gold standard of free agent destinations. That's a tough pill to swallow for a club that had reigned supreme for so long (but has also spent much time out of that bright spotlight).

At first, the fit seems odd. The Dodgers were the club that non-tendered Bellinger just a few short years ago, after all. However, they have a major vacancy to fill in the outfield, and Bellinger is a different player now than he was back then.

The Dodgers are rumored to want him back and have the funds that could convince him that it's all water under the bridge from this point forward.

Like the Mets, this destination could lead to the Yankees having the misfortune of facing off against Bellinger in the 2026 Fall Classic.

Philadelphia Phillies

The NL East powerhouse isn't always thought of as one of the Yankees' chief rivals, but they do seem to pop up and create havoc for the Yankees at the most inopportune times.

The Yankees' 2009 World Series foe swooped in and stole Cliff Lee from the Bombers at the 11th hour. Had things gone the other way, we might have seen another dynastic run in the Bronx with Lee teaming up with his former Cleveland teammate CC Sabathia, but alas, it was all for naught.

Now, Philadelphia threatens to be a thorn in the Yankees' side again, with a need in center field and some big dollars they can throw Bellinger's way. Bellinger landing in the city of Brotherly Love would not only reopen old wounds, but it would take the crucial Yankee away and put him on the roster of yet another potential World Series opponent.