The New York Yankees, under the leadership of general manager Brian Cashman, have already achieved a significant part of their offseason objective by adding two left-handed hitting outfielders, namely Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto. However, recent speculations suggest that the Yankees might not be done fortifying their outfield, with Cody Bellinger emerging as a potential target in the free-agent market.
In the latest power rankings for teams vying for Bellinger’s services, compiled by Will Leitch of MLB.com, the Yankees find themselves in the second position, trailing behind the Toronto Blue Jays. Leitch acknowledges that there exists skepticism regarding the Yankees’ willingness to enter the crucial 2024 season, a pivotal year for the franchise, with Alex Verdugo as their everyday left fielder. The addition of Bellinger could potentially facilitate a strategic shift, allowing Aaron Judge to transition out of center field and enabling the Yankees to assemble a formidable, All-Star-caliber outfield – a characteristic synonymous with the team’s legacy in The Bronx.
Bellinger, whose performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers experienced a decline in 2021 and 2022, staged a remarkable comeback during the 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs. This resurgence has significantly boosted his appeal in the free-agent market. Throughout the 2023 season, Bellinger posted impressive stats, hitting .307/.356/.525, with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in (RBI).
The recent acquisition of Juan Soto in a noteworthy seven-player trade with the San Diego Padres adds depth and talent to the Yankees’ outfield. In this substantial deal, New York sent pitchers Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito, and Drew Thorpe, along with catcher Kyle Higashioka, to San Diego in exchange for Soto and center fielder Trent Grisham.
As the Yankees continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, the potential addition of Cody Bellinger would not only bolster their outfield but also contribute to creating a lineup with the firepower that fans have come to associate with the storied franchise in The Bronx.
Leave a Reply