The New York Yankees were expected to be big spenders as always this offseason, with them being a favorite for the top free agent on the market in Kyle Tucker. However, that may not happen.
According to Fansided’s Mark Powell, Tucker’s market isn’t there, as he wants a payday. That means more teams will be interested in New York's superstar outfielder, Cody Bellinger. And if New York is smart, they’ll make sure he’s off the market ASAP.
“As unpredictable as Bellinger has been over the course of his career, he's figured something out with the Yankees, and is one of the few players who can compete in New York without batting an eye. Bellinger is expected to sign a deal somewhere around the $200 million marker. That's half the money contenders are being asked to invest in Tucker, but is Bellinger half the player? Bellinger may not be the MVP he once was, but he has the back-to-back AL MVP, Aaron Judge, begging the Yankees front office to bring him back. That has to mean something, ” Powell wrote.
This past season, Bellinger slashed.272/.334/.480/.813 with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI in 152 games played. He was arguably the best player other than Judge on the field and in the box.
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Getting Bellinger back seems like a sensible move for the Yankees as well. He costs half of what Tucker would, and he’s only a little over a year older. For a team trying to lower payroll, it’s an obvious choice.
Hopefully, Brian Cashman and the Yanks realize this and get to work bringing the former MVP back to the Bronx. Otherwise, his increased market may jack up his price, and the Yankees either have to pay it, or lose him.
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