MLB insider says Yankees 'top target' at trade deadline is Cubs star

The New York Yankees could use the MLB trade deadline to help get out of a slump that includes owning the worst record in baseball since June 15.

As the July 30 deadline quickly approaches, the needs for the Yankees are becoming quite clear. They desperately need infield help to go along with some strikeout arms in the bullpen.

They also could look into reinforcing the depth and talent in the outfield. Trent Grisham isn't cutting it at the plate now that he's seeing more innings with Aaron Judge getting more time at DH.

Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo is in a concerning rut that includes a 70 OPS+ over his last 24 games.

That's why Russell Dorsey, MLB insider for Yahoo Sports, believes Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger is the "top target" for the Yankees at the deadline.

The Yankees are in desperate need of offensive production outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. And with Alex Verdugo and Anthony Rizzo both struggling mightily, Bellinger’s ability to play both outfield and first base and provide some thump from the left side could be just what the doctor ordered for the Yanks.

The Yankees have had previous interest in Bellinger before the 2024 season so this certainly makes sense. It's also not the first time these two have been linked ahead of the deadline.

His swing is tailor-made for the short porch at Yankee Stadium even if his numbers have dipped a bit in a disappointing season.

Bellinger's 109 OPS+ leaves much to be desired from a player coming off a 2023 season with a 135 OPS+. His 88.1 mph average exit velocity and 34.8% hard-hit rate rank in the 31st and 22nd percentiles, respectively.

Maybe that would change with some new scenery in the Bronx, but he's also in the first year of a three-year, $80 million deal, which includes player opt-outs after 2024 and 2025.

The next few weeks will determine what kind of moves the Yankees will make at the deadline, but this is certainly something to keep an eye on.