Arnab Bose

EXPLAINED: Why Are The Yankees Not Sure If They Want To Sign Cody Bellinger Or Not?

The New York Yankees have been looking for a lefty outfielder to bolster their bullpen. It is mainly because they suffered last season with their batting average. Only the Oakland Athletics were worse than the NY side regarding batting average. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers need more power in their offense. The NY side was more or less good in defense in the 2023 season. But it did not help them to qualify for the next round. Moreover, the NY side missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Hence, the Yankees want to make a big change before heading toward the next season. Moreover, they want to utilize the extra month of the offseason that they got because they failed to make the postseason. Anyhow, they are eager to use the free agency to the best of their abilities. The Yankees have close eyes on superstar lefty hitters like Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger. However, it is of paramount importance for bidders like the Yankees who want Bellinger on their roster, to be sure of what they do next.

   

Will The Yankees Sign The Unpredictable Cody Bellinger?

Cody Bellinger
Apr 14, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger (24) acknowledges the crowd during a video tribute prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Bellinger is 28 years old at present. He can turn out to be the best or the worst hitter in baseball. That’s why he is among the most unpredictable big names in free agency. Moreover, the mystery around Bellinger began when the Dodgers non-tendered him. However, later, Bellinger played well for the Chicago Cubs, hitting 26 homers with .307 and posting an .881 OPS. Moreover, agent Scott Boras indicated that Bellinger has been healthy since the surgery in 2020. Recently, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman mentioned that there’s a mixed feeling in the Yankees franchise about signing the unpredictable Cody Bellinger.

He can be the most sought-after offensive player in the offseason. Heyman predicts that Bellinger might not be able to repeat or do better than his 2023 performance next year. The Yankees will need somebody to replace Jasson Dominguez. But if they don’t get Bellinger, things will get a little bit complicated. Moreover, teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants are willing to trade for Bellinger. On top of that, the Chicago Cubs may want him back. Who knows if the Cubs decide to keep Bellinger?

The Former MVP Can Surprise Or Even Shock His Fans And Teammates

Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger Source: Yardbarker

Albeit Soto is a bigger superstar, he may not be available in the market. The San Diego Padres might keep him for another year to see if they can execute their initial plans with him. Even if the Yankees don’t get Soto, all hopes are not lost, as Bellinger might be available. Bellinger won a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But the problem with Cody Bellinger is his inconsistency. When there was a lot of hype around him to be the best player, he didn’t live up to the expectations.

But lately, Bellinger bounced back strong when the best team at developing talent let him go. However, it is clear that Bellinger is not the same MVP-type player he was back in 2019. He hit 47 homers back in 2019. However, there is a mystery surrounding Bellinger’s value that he can bring to any team. Albeit he is the biggest free agent center fielder available.