Yankees News: Plans for Cody Bellinger in 2025, NYY reunite with former reliever

Though there's still work to be done, the New York Yankees have been the most active team this offseason despite losing Juan Soto. They signed Max Fried, traded for Devin Williams, and then acquired Cody Bellinger via trade on Tuesday.

Bellinger was long believed to be a Yankee weeks ago when these negotiations began, and everyone soon learned it was all about the Cubs' budging on paying down some of his salary because they were desperate to shed payroll.

In the end, it only cost the Yankees one pitcher (Cody Poteet), and the Cubs sent $5 million to New York. Pretty unbelievable if you ask ... anybody. So what's the outlook for Bellinger in 2025? Where will he play?

Many fans suspected he'd slot in at first base because the Yankees have a vacancy there. Bellinger is also a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder, but he often gets injured roaming the pastures, so there was belief the Yankees would avoid using him out there.

Turns out, that's not the case. Bellinger was informed he'll be the team's starting center fielder, which now creates questions regarding Jasson Dominguez.

Does this mean Dominguez will be the starting left fielder even though he proved unable to handle the position last year when he was moved off of center field? Does this mean Dominguez has all of a sudden become a trade chip for the Yankees to upgrade their roster for 2025-2026?

Some have already projected Bellinger as the Yankees' leadoff hitter — a topic that's very much up for debate — but the reveal of his defensive role feels much more concrete. Then again, it could be a ploy for the Yankees to remain flexible in the free agent market for first basemen, so we'll see.

Yankees sign former pitcher (and former Cub) Colten Brewer to minor-league contract

You remember this name, don't you?! Brewer pitched for the Yankees back in 2023 and instantly became known when he tossed five scoreless innings across his first two appearances with the team.

But then he got knocked around in a game against the Twins on April 13 and he was never to be seen again. He remained with the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate until the beginning of July and finished with a 1.35 ERA and 0.70 WHIP across 20 innings. He was released later that month and then signed with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan.

He spent 2024 with the Cubs (what a coincidence), but now he's back with the Yankees on a minor-league contract.

Brewer will ostensibly provide depth at the Triple-A level for New York and hop on the famous Scranton shuttle whenever he's called upon. This is how the Yankees do business with their bullpen if you're not familiar. There's always a guy or two coming and going from Scranton.

Brewer might need some time to get back on track, though. He finished 2024 with a 5.66 ERA and 1.60 WHIP across 20 2/3 MLB innings with the Cubs. We trust in Matt Blake to diagnose the issue in spring training. Before you know it, the right-hander will be erasing much-needed innings for the Bombers.