The New York Yankees are all in for Juan Soto. But as per recent updates, things might just go the way Mets owner Steve Cohen wants—he’s got the money to flex, and not just that, but more—he has stability. It’s not like the Yankees are unstable, but their manager, for example, just got a year more in the organization, which means things will change in the franchise. That’s not the case for the New York Mets; their top executives are relatively new and geared to make some big enhancements.

Given Soto needs a winning team, he might be enticed. And if that happens, the Yankees will need a backup. Right now, while there are many options, one name is coming through—Cody Bellinger. But here is the thing: Bellinger is owed $27 million in 2024; that’s more than Bryce Harper. His numbers aren’t bad either; he had a.266 batting average, 18 homers, and 78 RBIs, so, he is indeed worthy of that sum. Given this, teams might be hesitant, but the Cubs want him to go desperately.

Is Cody Bellinger on his way to the Yankees?

For the New York Yankees, Bellinger could be a sweet backup plan in case things with Soto don’t come to be. “If the New York Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto, one backup plan floating around is signing free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, signing either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third, shifting Jazz Chisholm to second base, trading for Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger, and then using the extra money to sign Burnes, Fried, or Snell,” Bob Nightengale reported. Well, the Cubs might be more than ready to deal with the New York Yankees, given they are open to parting ways with Cody.

Bob Nightengale called it “the worst-kept secret at the GM meetings.” Well, despite Bellinger’s good run, his hefty contract is quite the deterrent. One GM apparently dismissed the idea, saying, “Who’s going to touch that contract? The risk is just too great for the production.” Cody Bellinger has shown no strong interest in staying either; the Cubs might have to absorb a portion of his salary or probably even take on some other deal to trigger a trade. Whether the Yankees will go for him remains to be seen, but if not Soto, they’ll surely need to start looking for alternatives.

Juan Soto’s final decision is coming soon

The New York Yankee backup plans, like trading for Cody Bellinger, are all dependent on Soto’s big decision. It was rumored that Soto’s decision might come later, as he will take his time. Furthermore, he is a Scott Boras client, who is known to delay the process by a lot. However, this week, ESPN Buster Olney mentioned that “sources involved in the Juan Soto talks expect the teams will begin forwarding offers this week.” And the offers he is supposedly going to get—are insane.

Juan Soto is predicted to get anywhere between $611 million for 11 years and a whopping $700 million, according to Athletic. Why do you ask? Well, they put it perfectly: “It’s really not since Alex Rodriguez in 2001 that a free agent has hit the open market this young and this accomplished.” Add in Soto’s iconic 2024 season and a great post-season; he just resets the bar.

Where do you think Soto will choose to go next? Let us know in the comments.