The pressure is back on general manager Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees, who cannot afford another setback similar to the Juan Soto case, whose departure to Queens still hurts in the Bronx. This time, the organization is focusing all its efforts on Cody Bellinger, a free agent who has become the team’s priority to maintain stability, offensive power and defensive versatility.
According to renowned New York Post journalist Jon Heyman, the Yankees have a “quiet confidence” that Bellinger will not follow the same path as Soto. The belief within the franchise is that there are real and positive conversations with the player, although there is no deal yet.
Cody Bellinger represents immediate stability for the Bronx
The numbers back up the gamble. In his last season, Bellinger had 656 plate appearances, 160 hits, 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. Beyond his offensive contribution, his value also lies in his ability to adapt to different positions: he played 85 games in left field, 52 in right field, 41 in center field and even seven games at first base. At just 30 years old next season, the Yankees believe he can still offer several years of peak performance.
Inside the locker room, he also has an influential ally: Aaron Judge, who has expressed his desire for Bellinger to remain part of the organization, backing his continuity as a key piece of the lineup.
Giants and Mets press, but the Bronx maintains advantage
Although the New York Mets and now the San Francisco Giants have appeared on the radar as possible destinations, the Yankees remain confident they are leading the race.
Cashman even recently claimed that the roster has too many left-handed hitters, something that could give him room to make strategic moves if Bellinger stays.
The million-dollar contract and the battle against Scott Boras
A report from Forbes shook the market by mentioning that Bellinger would be looking for an eight-year, $400 million contract. Although it was later clarified and pointed out as a possible maneuver by agent Scott Boras, it made it clear that his signing will not be cheap. With an OPS of .813, solid but not extraordinary, the Yankees will have to evaluate whether the cost justifies the sporting impact.
Meanwhile, New York does not rule out alternatives such as Austin Hays in case an agreement is not reached. However, the message within the Bronx is clear: Cody Bellinger is a priority and losing him would be another wound that would be difficult to justify.
Read the full article here
