Yankees Chase $272M Offense: Reuniting with Bellinger, Targeting Kim to Solve Injury Crisis.vc

THE BRONX — The New York Yankees enter the offseason focused on a high-stakes, multi-front campaign to secure two major free agents, led by the priority of retaining outfielder Cody Bellinger.¹ Bellinger was brilliant in his first season in the Bronx, hitting ²$.272/.334/.480$ with 29 home runs and 98 RBI across 152 games, successfully taking immense pressure off Aaron Judge.³

However, the Yankees’ biggest challenge lies in addressing critical injury voids in both their starting rotation and middle infield. With Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Carlos Rodón (elbow surgery) both expected to miss the start of the 2026 season, and shortstop Anthony Volpe rehabbing from shoulder surgery, the team needs reliable replacements.⁴

The Offensive Solution: Bellinger and Kim

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter believes the Yankees’ deep pockets will solve the offensive crisis by securing both Bellinger and an outside addition for the shortstop position:

1. Cody Bellinger Reunion: The team remains the front-runner to retain Bellinger, a high-value outfielder whose blend of offense and elite defense provides crucial flexibility.⁵
2. Ha-Seong Kim Target: With Anthony Volpe sidelined, Reuter projects the Yankees to acquire veteran infielder Ha-Seong Kim to stabilize the shortstop position until Volpe returns.⁶ Kim, known for his defensive prowess, would fill the defensive void left by Volpe while providing a professional bat.

Reuter projects the Yankees could roll out an exciting, yet controversial, Opening Day lineup featuring the two additions:

The Unsolved Problem: Starting Pitching Depth

While the offense is projected to be stabilized, the starting rotation remains the biggest existential threat to the Yankees’ 2026 title hopes. The team cannot afford to put all its faith in the likes of Max Fried and Luis Gil to carry the load until Cole and Rodón return.

The Yankees must acquire at least two stable, veteran starting pitchers to serve as bridge starters. The urgency is palpable, and General Manager Brian Cashman must prioritize finding proven rotation depth, even if it means accepting a shorter contract for an older arm. The offseason landscape confirms the Yankees’ spending will be aggressive, but the success of the 2026 season hinges entirely on their ability to solve the unprecedented pitching injury crisis.