As the dust settles following a massive week at the winter meetings in Dallas, the Yankees continue to pursue several big names as they move on from departed lineup linchpin Juan Soto.
Trade talks with the Cubs involving Cody Bellinger are ongoing, and he appears to be a more likely avenue for the Yanks, sources told The Post, especially if the Astros don’t move off of their demand of AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil in any package for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
The Yankees want the Cubs to pick up a chunk of the two years and $52.5 million remaining on Bellinger’s contract — which includes a $25 million opt out for 2026 — and they are believed to be more than $10 million apart on an agreement.
The former NL MVP is considered a strong fit for the Yanks because he’s a left-handed bat who can play either first base or center field, which would enable them to move reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge back to right following Soto’s defection.
His father Clay Bellinger was a member of the Yankees from 1999-2001, earning two World Series rings.
The Yanks pivoted quickly after Soto’s $765 million crosstown move to the Mets by landing former Braves lefty starter Max Fried on an eight-year deal worth $218 million.
The Yanks also have interest in Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and they believe it’s mutual.
Alonso is a Tampa-area native and he’s already proven he can handle playing in New York.
Mets owner Steve Cohen said at Thursday’s press conference to introduce Soto that the team is “still engaged’ with the four-time All-Star and “we hope that he stays.”
The Yanks potentially could pursue both Bellinger and Alonso — who also are represented by Soto’s agent Scott Boras — perhaps depending on how much money the Cubs fork over in a trade.
As for Tucker, he will be a free agent after this season, which puts him in a similar one-year rental category that the Yanks just went through after dealing for Soto last winter.
They are adamant about not giving up Gil, who they view as a potential No.1 starter, in addition to other top prospects, such as High-A shortstop George Lombard Jr.
The Yankees did shore up their bullpen on Friday, adding closer Devin Williams in a trade with the Brewers, sending Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin back to Milwaukee.
