After missing out on Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, who’s off to join the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees appear to already have another left-handed slugger in their sights — Cody Bellinger.

According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees are in active discussions with the Cubs regarding the two-time All-Star, who’s owed $52.5 million over the next two seasons, including his 2026 player option worth $25 million ($5 million buy out).

To facilitate a deal, New York is asking Chicago to retain a significant portion of Bellinger’s remaining contract, as Heyman wrote. Both sides, however, remain far apart in those demands.

Bellinger enjoyed a sensational offensive performance in 2023, hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, accounting for a 136 wRC+ (100 league average) across 130 games. He was also worth 4.4 fWAR, the second-highest of his eight major league seasons.

The 29-year-old’s production took a step back last season, finishing with a .266/.325/.426 slash line, 18 home runs and 78 RBIs in 130 games. But he was still an above-average hitter, courtesy of a 109 wRC+. And with his left-handed stroke, he’d be a strong bounce-back candidate if he were acquired by the Yankees, playing home games in front of the short porch beyond right field.

Trading for Bellinger would also address New York’s outfield situation, with the 2019 Gold Glove winner occupying centre, allowing Aaron Judge to move back to right following the departure of Juan Soto. Another possibility could involve deploying him at first base, with Trent Grisham — a glove-first outfielder — in centre.

The Yankees are under immense pressure to fill the massive void in their lineup created by Soto joining the cross-town Mets. Along with targeting Bellinger, general manager Brian Cashman has also been linked to third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, a pathway that’d upgrade the hot corner position as Jazz Chisholm Jr. moves to second to replace free agent Gleyber Torres.

Cashman has already been extremely active this winter, signing left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $218-million contract and striking a deal for closer Devin Williams — sending Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash — with the Milwaukee Brewers earlier Friday.