When the New York Yankees signed Marcus Stroman earlier this month, GM Brian Cashman addressed the possibility of more incoming moves. Cashman said the team has enough internal talent to be back in spring training. However, if an opportunity presents itself, the front office won’t shy away from making moves.
With only two weeks to go for spring training, the New York Yankees’ roster looks set. They are unlikely to take a plunge on any option unless absolutely necessary. However, the free agent market still remains filled with suitable top-tier candidates. And now, the Bombers are being floated as an ideal landing spot for the former NL MVP slugger.
Cody Bellinger To Yankees? How The Sluggers Fits Into The Roster?
Since last season’s mid-year trade deadline, the New York Yankees were active suitors for Cody Bellinger. However, the Chicago Cubs held back the slugger in order to keep their playoff qualification hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Bronx Bombers managed to get an even better upgrade this off-season. Brian Cashman and co managed to trade superstar slugger Juan Soto from the Padres, thus satisfying the team’s offensive needs. Subsequently, the front office dropped Bellinger’s pursuit. That being said, the slugger’s free agency has hit a standstill. He continues to receive interest from the Blue Jays and Cubs. However, his agent, Scott Boras, continues to keep interested teams at bay with a ridiculous $200+ million ask. Amid this, the Yanks have been urged to re-enter the sweepstakes.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com says the Yankees must pursue Cody Bellinger if the latter ends up lowering his asking price. Feinsand explained how Cody’s versatility will elevate the club’s roster by tenfold. As a matter of fact, Cody has played 83 games in center field in 2023 and also split time between first base and DH. Thus, the Yanks can use him as a utility player in 2024. Moreover, Anthony Rizzo, the Bomber’s first baseman, is contracted till the end of the 2024 season with a club option for the year 2025. Thus, Mark urged NYY to decline Rizzo’s club option and pencil in Bellinger as a full-time starter at first base. While the hypothetical scenario is intriguing, Cody’s risk of regression continues to be a point of concern for the Bombers. Besides, unless and until Bellinger lowers his ask by a significant fold, he shouldn’t expect to be signed by any club whatsoever.
Brian Cashman To Pull Off One Last Big Move This Off-Season?
With two weeks to go for spring training, the New York Yankees aren’t essentially done with the off-season. As per an unnamed NL executive, Brian Cashman still has one big move up his sleeves. It suggests that the Bombers could add one more star player to their lineup.
However, on the contrary, the options in the free agent market are too slime. Besides Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Cody Bellinger, the market remains inactive. Also, the above-mentioned names have set up a high price tag. And the Yankees are not in a position to make an expensive signing. Thus, an immediate move seems unlikely for now.
For more such updates on the New York Yankees 2024 season, follow Sports News International.
