MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan

MLB Rumors: Yankees have backup plans for Cody Bellinger trade

It’s been a pretty poorly-kept secret amid the trade buzz that the New York Yankees would ideally be able to add former NL MVP Cody Bellinger at the deadline. That, however, is fully contingent upon the Cubs selling. And even just a week out from Aug. 1, that’s still not a certainty.

All reports have indicated that the Cubs’ decision on buying or selling could come down to the last possible minute. Just as crucially for the Yankees, Bellinger figures to be the most-coveted bat on the trade market, meaning that other contenders also looking for a left-handed outfielder — of which there are many — could simply offer Chicago more for Bellinger.

So what would the Yankees do then in order to try and provide the lineup with more offense?

ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez noted that the Yankees indeed prefer a lefty bat to add to the lineup at the trade deadline, but aren’t completely closed-off to a right-handed hitter if Brian Cashman and the New York brass are convinced that the acquisition would noticeably improve the offense. He also mentioned Mets outfielders Mark Canha and Tommy Pham, Rockies trade chip Randal Grichuk, Nationals standout Lane Thomas, and Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neill as options.

Dylan Carlson, a switch-hitting 24-year-old outfielder for St. Louis, was also mentioned with a note that he’s been far better on the right side of the plate this season.

The point is, though, that upgrading the offense isn’t Bellinger or bust for the Yankees. Though he remains the top target, if circumstances dictate a pivot, New York appears capable and ready to do so in order to still upgrade at the deadline.