Cashman Confirms Aggressive Stance: Grisham’s Return Will NOT Slow Cody Bellinger Pursuit.vc
New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has confirmed that the surprise decision by outfielder Trent Grisham to accept the team’s 22.025$ million Qualifying Offer (QO) will not deter the organization from aggressively pursuing free-agent superstar Cody Bellinger.
Cashman’s insistence on continuing the chase, despite the unexpected 22$ million expense, underscores the Yankees’ commitment to retaining the former MVP and signifies their willingness to push their payroll well into the highest tiers of the luxury tax.
💰 The Money Factor: Pushing Past the Luxury Tax
The biggest question immediately following Grisham’s acceptance was how the sudden 22$ million charge to the 2026 payroll would impact the pursuit of the nine-figure contract Bellinger commands.
- Cashman’s Stance: Cashman made it clear during the General Manager Meetings that the decision to extend the QO to Grisham would be independent of the pursuit of Bellinger, a statement he is now standing by (Source 1.4, 3.3).3
- The Projected Cost: Bellinger, coming off a strong 2025 season where he hit 29 home runs with a 4125 OPS+ for the Yankees, is projected to command a contract in the range of seven years, 182$ million, with an Average Annual Value (AAV) around 26$ million (Source 2.1, 2.3).7
- The Payroll Reality: Adding Bellinger’s 26$ million AAV to Grisham’s 22.025$ million salary, alongside Aaron Judge’s contract, pushes the Yankees’ projected Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) payroll deep into the luxury tax territory. This move indicates ownership, led by Hal Steinbrenner, is prepared to incur the highest penalties and even sacrifice a high draft pick (Source 1.6, 2.6).
⚾️ The Roster Fit: A Perfect Match Remains
The Yankees remain highly motivated to retain Bellinger because of his unique, multi-faceted value to the roster:8
- Left-Handed Power: Bellinger is a premier left-handed bat whose swing is perfectly suited for the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium (Source 2.2, 2.3).9
- Positional Versatility: He can play all three outfield spots (Center Field, Left Field, Right Field) and provides an elite option at first base (Source 2.4).10 This flexibility is crucial for managing the workloads of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
- Clubhouse Chemistry: Both Cashman and his agent, Scott Boras, have described the Yankees/Bellinger fit as “ideal,” with the player reportedly keen to return to the Bronx (Source 2.5, 3.2).11
🤔 The Roster Crunch: A Trade is Looming
The one major implication of having both Bellinger and Grisham signed is the outfield logjam it creates with highly-touted prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones (Source 1.5).
If Bellinger returns, the Yankees’ outfield is locked in with Judge, Grisham, and Bellinger. This scenario makes it highly likely that one or both of the top prospects—Domínguez or Jones—will become available as a trade chip to address other needs, particularly high-leverage bullpen arms or a front-line starter (Source 1.5).
The pursuit of Bellinger remains the Yankees’ top priority, with Grisham’s return simply viewed as stability and insurance, not a deterrent.12
