The New York Yankees began the offseason focused on signing a left-handed pitcher.

After missing out on free-agent superstar Juan Soto, they then failed to secure a trade to land left-handed reliever Kyle Tucker.

Now where do they get that left-handed bat?

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal thinks it’s “obvious” that they’ll return to the Cubs for left-hitting infielder/outfielder Cody Bellinger.

“As far as the future and what else they’re going to do, they desperately need a left-handed hitter, and Cody Bellinger is the obvious guy out there,” Rosenthal said at Foul Territory. “So it wouldn’t surprise me if they added Cody Bellinger at some point. Where are you putting him now? They could put him in midfield. They could put him at first base. Then you won’t sign Christian Walker? Maybe focus on someone like Bregman, whose swing, and you know, is better suited to Minute Maid Park or Fenway Park than Yankee Stadium, where (the) left field is a little bigger? So I don’t know if Bregman will be the choice.”

The Yankees have spoken to the Cubs about Bellinger, but there was reportedly a hurdle over how much of his remaining $52 million plus opt-out salary Chicago would pay.

The 29-year-old Bellinger has had a decent year hitting .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs and was able to help the Yankees not only at first base but also in the outfield.

The Yankees are looking for power at first base, and Bellinger has had it in the past, hitting a career-high 47 home runs in 2019 and 26 in 2023.

They also need a center fielder to move Aaron Judge back to right field. Bellinger could give them some flexibility and security there if they look to use rookie Jasson Dominguez there.

MORE MLB: The Yankees’ next moves after failing to trade for Kyle Tucker