Yankees Spotlight: Winter Meetings, Hot Stove, and Rule 5 Intrigue
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Kevin Winterhalt has been contributing to Pinstripe Alley since April 2021. He’s currently a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing Diplomatic U.S. History.
MLB Trade Rumors | Mark Polishuk: The Phillies join the growing list of suitors for free-agent and former Yankee Cody Bellinger. Philadelphia reportedly views Bellinger as a strong fallback option if their top priority remains re-signing Kyle Schwarber. This places Bellinger in a market with deep pockets, alongside other interested clubs like the Mets, Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Angels, all potential Yankees competitors.
The Athletic | Jim Bowden ($): On the eve of the Winter Meetings, Bowden lays out his ideal scenarios. He envisions the Yankees pursuing aggressive moves: a 10-year, $427 million contract for Kyle Tucker; a five-year, nine-figure deal for closer Edwin Díaz. In trades, he proposes sending Will Warren and José Caballero to Milwaukee for Freddy Peralta. He also suggests a multi-strike swap: Spencer Jones and Kaeden Kent to Miami for Sandy Alcántara, followed by Elmer Rodríguez and Roderick Arias to the Diamondbacks for Ketel Marte. These plans are bold; realism suggests few, if any, will unfold exactly as described.
MLB | Joe Trezza: The Rule 5 Draft is set for Wednesday during the Winter Meetings. The Yankees safeguarded Spencer Jones, Elmer Rodríguez, and Chase Hampton by placing them on the 40-man roster, leaving several prospects exposed to the draft. Key candidates include pitchers Brock Selvidge, Brendan Beck, and Harrison Cohen. Selvidge and Beck have battled injuries recently but could attract teams seeking roster depth for the 2026 season. Cohen, an experienced reliever with upper-level exposure and strikeout capability, represents a classic Rule 5 bullpen target for teams.
Pinstripe Alley will be live with Rule 5 Draft coverage on Wednesday.
