Ahead of the 2023 season, the New York Yankees’ offensive lineup was ranked as one of the strongest in the league. However, by the time the regular season concluded, the Yanks found themselves at the bottom of every offensive chart. Needless to say, the offensive lackluster led to their playoff elimination.
Thus, heading into 2024, the New York Yankees front office will change the narrative by adding a few pieces. That piece will certainly be a left-handed option, considering the roster imbalance. In fact, the team has set eyes on a Chicago Cubs slugger who has a breakout year in 2023. After failing to acquire him during the trade deadline, the Yanks would surely want to accomplish the pursuit during free agency.
Yankees Featured In Top 3 Suitor List For Free Agent Cody Bellinger!
Cody Bellinger, the former NL MVP, settled for a one-year $17.5 million contract with Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2023 season due to mediocre performances in the past couple of years. Bellinger was given a chance to expand his market value when he eventually entered the free agent market in 2024. Cody, meanwhile, wreaked havoc to put his chance to best use. He finished the season with a .307 batting average, 26 home runs, and 97 RBIs across 130 games. Not only that, the left-handed batter single-handedly kept the Cubs alive in the playoff race until the very end of the regular season.
But now, as Cody Bellinger prepares to enter free agency, his stakes are through the roof. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com listed the Cubs, Giants, and Yankees as top landing spots for the slugger. Yanks’ strong interest shouldn’t come as a surprise. They tried hard to trade him during the August 1 deadline. But the Cubs, who had won four games in a row around the deadline, felt alive in the playoff race. Thus, they pulled Bellinger off the market at the very last moment. Nevertheless, the Bronx Bombers seem determined to accomplish the pursuit in winter. While the Cubs will push hard to convince Cody to stay. But, monetary perks will most likely lure the left-handed batter to the Bronx. Bellinger’s addition will balance out the Yanks’ offensive lineup while resolving the left-field crisis at the same time.
Mets Announced As New Player In Juan Soto’s Pursuit By WFAN Radio Host!
Apart from Cody Bellinger, the Yankees are trying to crack the trade deal of a lifetime by landing Padres generational star Juan Soto. While Yanks emerged as top suitors, WFAN radio host Sal Licata believes the Mets have a relatively better chance to land Soto. “The Mets are in a better position financially and prospect-wise,” said Licata via his radio show.
Having said that, the Mets have so far displayed no signs of potential interest in landing Juan Soto. Whereas the New York Yankees are out there making moves. They reportedly talked to the Padres about Soto’s availability and also sent their scout to take inventory of the Padres’ roster. Also, the outfielder is more inclined toward the East Coast to reunite with his family. While a strong fight cannot be ruled out between city rivals, by the early looks of it, the Yanks seem in a much better position to land Soto.
