Pete Alonso is the first major player to decide to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. While he certainly won’t be the last, who joins him is a mystery as of the moment.
However, Fansided’s Robert Murray believes that New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger will join him as well, seeing as he’s had a great campaign with the Yankees.
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“When the Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, it always felt destined to be a one-year marriage. And after Bellinger’s strong season, it’s now virtually a lock he opts out of his contract and tests free agency,” Murray wrote.
This season, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480/.813 with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI. He’s one of the best lefties in the Yankees lineup and was crucial to their success this season.
The Yankees could definitely entice him to come back, but he would definitely ask for a lot of money. New York already has the third-highest payroll in the MLB, so there could be a limit on what they can spend sooner or later.
Many teams will also want Bellinger as their star, and will definitely be ready to throw the money he wants at him. Hopefully, the Yankees can match; otherwise, they’re going to need to make up for that talent elsewhere.
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