One of MLB's top free agents this offseason, Cody Bellinger, is looking to sign a long-term contract after an impressive season with the New York Yankees.
Bellinger, who hit.272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and a.813 OPS in 152 games while playing stellar defense in left field, turned down $25 million, the final year of his contract with the Yankees, in favor of a $5 million buyout.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated recently that the organization is "very interested" in bringing the former NL MVP back to the Bronx. Despite rumors that other teams may be potential suitors for Bellinger, like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, a former Yankees hitting coach thinks he knows where Bellinger's heart lies.
"I know they want to bring back Bellinger, and I know Bellinger wants to be back with the Yankees," Sean Casey, a former MLB first baseman turned analyst, said on MLB Network on Wednesday. "Obviously, it's gonna take some money to do that, which the Yankees have. He is 100% percent still in play."
Casey served as the Yankees' hitting coach during the second half of the 2023 season after the firing of Dillon Lawson.
The Yankees' complicated outfield predicament
Trent Grisham accepted the Yankees' $22.05 million qualifying offer yesterday, possibly limiting additional moves the front office wanted to make this winter.
That includes any potential big offer they send Bellinger's way, and it could take them out of the running for the game's top relievers and a player of Kyle Tucker's caliber.
In the outfield, Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones are candidates to receive a hefty dose of playing time. One of the two could become a trade chip if Bellinger re-signs.
More MLB news:
- Tigers in line to pursue Alex Bregman after missing out in 2024
- Mariners sign 1B Josh Naylor to long-term deal
- Braves claim two relief pitchers off waivers from Orioles
- Astros' Christian Walker emerges as possible trade candidate this offseason
- Guardians' Steven Kwan labeled as trade candidate in latest rumors