Last season, when the New York Yankees postseason ship began sinking, the front office attempted to salvage the damage during the trade deadline. Before the Aug 1 mid-season trade deadline concluded, Brian Cashman enquired about multiple candidates. But return empty-handed due to competitiveness within the postseason race.
Amongst the players approached by the New York Yankees were Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger. Moreover, Bellinger seemed a more realistic candidate owing to his contract status. However, the Chicago Cubs pulled the plug at the last moment. Nonetheless, the Yanks seemed favorites to land Bellinger this off-season. But dynamics shifted once again after Juan Soto’s trade came through.
Cody Bellinger Reveals He Waited For Yankees To Call This Off-Season!
As Chicago Cubs saw an opening at playoff qualification, they pulled out Cody Bellinger from the trade market days before the deadline. While it foiled New York Yankees trade plans, the front office was once determined to fulfill the pursuit of free agency as Cody was becoming a free agency by the end of the 2023 season. Not only that but Bellinger was floated as the Yanks’ favorite outfield option. However, tables turned post-winter meetings as the Bronx Bombers pulled off the trade heist of the off-season by acquiring superstar Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. Besides Soto, the team also landed outfielders Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham, thus securing outfield depth for the upcoming season. And with that, Cody Bellinger disappeared from the Yanks’ future scheme of things.
While a lot of things put off the New York Yankees. From the risk of regression to Scott Boras putting a ridiculously high price tag on his client, several factors led to a drop in pursuit. However, Cody Bellinger wanted to be a Yankee after all. A couple of fans met the outfielder at the airport and enquired about the Yanks’ approach. Bellinger confirmed that the Bombers had not called, but he wished they did. To be fair, Bellinger in pinstripes was meant to be. His father, Clay, had been a bench player for NYY and served to the best of his capacity. Moreover, Cody was expected to continue to father’s legacy in the Bronx. However, the uncertain nature of MLB’s free agency landscape kept Bellinger from accomplishing his dream. Nonetheless, the former NL-MVP is expected to land with either the Blue Jays or extend his stay with the Cubs.
Former Mets Hitting Coach To Join Aaron Boone’s Coaching Staff!
While the Yankees have most bases covered for the 2024 MLB season, a void in Aaron Boone’s coaching staff is likely to be filled in the coming days. NJ Media claims that former Mets and Nationals hitting coach Pat Roessler will join forces with Yanks as assistant hitting coach. Earlier, James Rowson was appointed the hitting coach for the 2024 season after Sean Casey refused to return, citing family reasons.
Interestingly, Pat Roessler had earlier worked with Yankees’ player development from 2005-14. He then joined the Mets and Nationals before eventually returning to the Bronx. The 64-year-old has enough experience to guide Yankee hitters to success. And with that, Aaron Boone’s coaching staff is set and ready to produce a turnaround in 2024.
