Cody Bellinger could be the Yankees’ next move as the Cubs push hard for Kyle Tucker

Cody Bellinger could be the Yankees’ next move as the Cubs push hard for Kyle Tucker

As the dust settles after a huge week at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, the Yankees continue to look for several big names as they replace departed starter Juan Soto.

Trade talks with the Cubs involving Cody Bellinger are underway, and he appears to be a more likely path for the Yanks, sources told The Post, especially if the Astros don’t back down from their demand for AL rookie of the year Luis Gil is moving away from any package for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

The Cubs are in the midst of talks with the Astros for Tucker, with slugging third baseman Isaac Paredes and infield prospect Cam Smith at the forefront of talks, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported.

The Yankees want the Cubs to receive a portion of the remaining two years and $52.5 million of Bellinger’s contract – which includes a $25 million opt-out for 2026 – and are believed to be at one Agreement are more than $10 million apart.


Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs points to the field after a run
Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs points to the field after a run. Getty Images

Kyle Tucker of the Astros throws his bat over as he watches his solo home run
Kyle Tucker of the Astros throws his bat over as he watches his solo home run. AP

The former NL MVP is considered a strong candidate for the Yanks as he is a left-handed hitter who can play either first base or center field, which would allow them to move reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge back to right after Soto’s departure to relocate.

His father, Clay Bellinger, was a member of the Yankees from 1999 to 2001 and won two World Series rings.

After Soto’s $765 million crosstown move to the Mets, the Yanks made a quick move, securing former Braves lefty starter Max Fried with an eight-year deal worth $218 million.

The Yanks also have interest in Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and believe the feeling is mutual.

Alonso is from the Tampa area and has already proven he can handle playing in New York.

Mets owner Steve Cohen said at Thursday’s press conference introducing Soto that the team is “still engaged” with the four-time All-Star and “we hope he stays.”

The Yanks could potentially pursue both Bellinger and Alonso — who is also represented by Soto’s agent Scott Boras — perhaps depending on how much money the Cubs spend in a trade.

As for Tucker, he will be a free agent after this season, putting him in a similar one-year rental category that the Yanks just went through after trading for Soto last winter.

They insist on not giving up on Gil, who they view as a potential No. 1 starter alongside other top prospects such as High-A shortstop George Lombard Jr.

The Yankees bolstered their bullpen on Friday, acquiring closer Devin Williams in a trade with the Brewers and sending Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin back to Milwaukee.

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