The Yankees' Radar Fixes on Cody Bellinger
With the dust settling on their unsuccessful pursuit of Juan Soto, the New York Yankees are redirecting their attention to Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger. Bellinger, a former National League Most Valuable Player, has once again become a prominent figure in baseball discussions, given his history of fluctuating, yet potent, performances.
Last season, Bellinger produced a slash line of .266/.325/.426, amassing 18 home runs and nine stolen bases. This performance underscores his ability to be a force at the plate and on the bases, albeit with variations over the years. His season-by-season OPS has swung by at least 110 points over the last seven years, demonstrating an element of unpredictability that Yankees management will have to consider.
Despite his variable performance, Bellinger remains a key target for the Yankees, who are keen on reinforcing their batting lineup with his power and versatility. While he hit 26 home runs and posted a 139 OPS+ just a year ago, Statcast analytics suggest that Bellinger’s potential power surge could have been even greater had he been playing in Yankee Stadium last season, where he might have added six more home runs to his tally.
Chicago's Financial Reallocation
The Cubs are reportedly looking to reallocate Bellinger's $27.5 million salary for next season, opening up a possible player acquisition opportunity for teams like the Yankees. Should they decide to pursue him, the Yankees would face financial commitments tied to his contract, which includes a $5 million buyout option and a subsequent player option for an additional $25 million.
Bellinger, who is still on the right side of 30, represents not just an investment in talent but also in potential longevity. His ability to pull the ball in the air ranks him in the 89th percentile, an appealing trait for a team that seeks to maximize offensive output in a hitter-friendly park like Yankee Stadium.
Weighing Costs and Benefits
However, the Yankees are cautiously navigating their payroll commitments following a series of recent hefty investments in their roster. Adding Bellinger would require careful consideration of his fluctuating metrics against the backdrop of a tightened budget. The team must also ponder whether Bellinger's high ceiling offsets the risks associated with his performance variability.
In the broader market context, comparisons to signings like that of Teoscar Hernández, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $23.5 million deal, provide a reference point for assessing Bellinger's potential value. The Yankees, therefore, must be strategic, balancing the allure of Bellinger’s on-field abilities with the financial implications of his acquisition.
As the Yankees deliberate over their next moves, the potential addition of Cody Bellinger presents both an opportunity and a challenge, one that necessitates a calculated approach to align with their championship aspirations and financial strategies.