The Yankees target Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, but money problems remain

DALLAS — The beauty of saving $760 million is that you have plenty of pocket money to spread around. That explains how the Yankees can pursue a smorgasbord of stars — including Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Christian Walker and Anthony Santander — with the belief that they still have several big moves ahead of them.

After acquiring the Braves’ longtime star Max Fried for a left-handed hitter’s record $218 million over eight years, bolstering an already solid pitching rotation, they’re targeting a bevy of hitting position players here . The focus is on third base, first base and the outfield.

Bellinger seemed to fit best as a left-hitting first baseman/center fielder, and while the Yankees and Cubs were still financially apart, there was reportedly some progress late Wednesday.

That’s a promise.

Bellinger would initially bring great defense and good coverage in the midfield in case Jason Dominguez isn’t ready.

The dispute was over money, as the Cubs asked the Yankees to cover almost all of the $52.5 million Bellinger was due over the next few years, and the Yankees expected even more money to come back.

Bellinger, a former MVP with great skills who played in the second and third largest markets, declined to opt out, so his contract was probably somewhat good after just one solid offensive season.

But with prices rising across the board, the two major market teams have a chance to find a solution.

The Yankees are also considering Alonso or Walker.

Alonso, who is popular in Queens, is also said to have some interest in moving to the Yankees if the Mets show serious interest. (The Yankees also might not mind poaching Alonso after their $760 million offer to keep superstar Juan Soto was surpassed by the Mets’ winning bid of $765 million.)

The Yankees were also seriously looking for Astros superstar Kyle Tucker, and it was almost certain he would get a deal somewhere.

However, there is stiff competition there as the Phillies, Giants and especially the Cubs are all after Tucker.

The trade discussion with the North Siders centered around right fielder Seiya Suzuki and third baseman Isaac Paredes, with the Astros also hoping the Cubs would include one of their last two No. 1 draft picks – either 3B Cam Smith or SS Matt Shaw.

Santander, most recently an outfielder with the Orioles, is another player of interest to the Yankees.

He actually overtook Soto. The rival Blue Jays are up against Santander, who are seeking five years of playing time.

The Yankees are also looking at Bregman, the Astros’ long-time third baseman, who would significantly bolster the infield defense and allow Jazz Chisholm to move to second base, where he knows what he’s doing.

Nevertheless, the rivals Red Sox, Astros and others are also involved.