Cashman attributed the quiet week not to a lack of effort or budget, but to the industry-wide stagnation.
“This market seems to be [moving at] glacial speed,” Cashman said, explaining his frustration. “There’s not a lot of the inventory that I’m interested [in] coming off the board yet. So that means it’s tough to get.”
He elaborated on the deadlocked trade talks: “Don’t like the asks coming our way and don’t like [from] the opposing teams what I’m trying to pull from them on the trade stuff, they’re not liking currently.”
The GM insisted that he is operating “without any hard limits” from owner Hal Steinbrenner, contradicting the narrative that budget constraints are preventing major moves. However, he did acknowledge the franchise’s existing “very large commitments,” which make “everything add up” and constrain flexibility.
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THE CODY BELLINGER DILEMMA
The biggest takeaway from the Yankees’ quiet week is the continued stalemate with their top free agent target, Cody Bellinger. Cashman confirmed that despite already having too many left-handed hitters, re-signing Bellinger—who produced a 29-homer season in the Bronx in 2025—remains a “top priority.”
Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, is reportedly demanding a massive, long-term commitment that the Yankees are so far unwilling to meet, risking losing the star to rivals like the Mets or Dodgers.
The failure to acquire any difference-makers means the Yankees depart the Winter Meetings with the same needs they had upon arrival:
- Outfield: Still trying to re-sign Bellinger.
- Pitching: Still without insurance for the rotation while Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón recover.
- Lineup Balance: Still “too left-handed,” a major concern Cashman openly admitted.
For the Yankees and their fanbase, the silence speaks volumes, leaving them hoping Cashman’s words were merely a smokescreen to gain leverage in a market that has yet to thaw.
