Going into 2025, the baseball landscape is set to witness some significant moves. The Yankees, having had a remarkable 2024 season and clinching their first AL Championship in 15 years, now find themselves in need of an outfielder and a first baseman. Bellinger emerges as a key player in this equation.

Why Bellinger Matters

As CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa pointed out on December 9, getting a big first-base bat is the single biggest roster upgrade the Yankees can realistically make this offseason. Adding another outfielder would allow superstar Aaron Judge to stay in his natural right field, enhancing the team's offensive capabilities. Bellinger can play both center field and first base, providing flexibility and adding much-needed athleticism and baserunning to the Yankees' roster. He is owed $27.5 million in 2025, with a $5 million buyout for 2026, which might make him a relatively affordable acquisition.The Yankees have been connected to Bellinger frequently over the past year or so, and on paper, he fits their Soto-less roster well. His lefty bat gives the team a different dimension, and his skills on the field could be a game-changer.

The Astros' Need for Bellinger

The Astros started 2024 with José Abreu on first base, but his performance was lackluster. After batting.099 over 77 plate appearances with only three RBI, he was sent down to the minors on April 30. Abreu returned to Houston on May 27 but continued to struggle at the plate, leading the Astros to release him on June 14. With no clear option as an everyday first baseman, the Astros had to rely on Jon Singleton, Zach Dezenzo, and Aledmys Diaz to get through the remainder of the season. Going into the next season, finding a high-end solution for first base through trade or free agency is a top priority.On December 5, 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine reported that the Astros had “checked in with the Cubs about a Bellinger trade,” suggesting that discussions around Bellinger will gain more traction after Soto signs to a new team. Considering Houston's current need for an everyday first baseman, Bellinger naturally becomes a top target on the trade market.

The Astros' Potential Trade Offer

On December 9, The Athletic’s Chandler Rome reported that to support their roster retooling, the Astros were listening to trade offers on star outfielder Kyle Tucker. General manager Dana Brown even commented “we’ll listen on anybody.” This indicates that the Astros are open to making significant trades to strengthen their roster. If they were to acquire Bellinger, it could be part of a larger trade package that involves Tucker or other key players. The Astros are clearly willing to make moves to address their needs and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season.The Yankees and the Astros are both in a position to make major roster upgrades through a trade involving Bellinger. It remains to be seen how these negotiations will unfold and what the final outcome will be, but one thing is clear – Bellinger's future is likely to be decided through a trade between these two teams.