MLB
New York Yankees consider Cody Bellinger to free up Aaron Judge
Aaron Boone wants to strengthen the outfield ahead of the new MLB season. Signing Bellinger would allow Aaron Judge to move out of center field.
The New York Yankees remain one of the most active franchises in this MLB free agency - among the recent arrivals that have attracted the most attention are outfielders Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo.
The Yankees, Giants and Blue Jays interested in Bellinger
But it seems like they still want to go for another player at that position and would do everything they can to sign veteran outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger, who is currently a free agent after turning down qualifying offer from the Cubs.
According to insider Will Leitch, the Yankees want to give more freedom to their main star Aaron Judge. “There wouldn’t seem to be space for Bellinger right now, not with the acquisitions of Soto and Alex Verdugo, but there remains skepticism that the Yanks will really go into 2024, an enormous year for the franchise, with Verdugo as their everyday left fielder. Signing Bellinger would allow Aaron Judge to move out of center field and give the Yankees the sort of thunderous, All-Star outfield we’re used to seeing in The Bronx. They’d have to do something with Verdugo, sure. But the Yankees’ plans for 2024 are much bigger than Verdugo. Plus, Bellinger’s father, Clay, wore the pinstripes, earning World Series rings with the 1999-2000 Bombers,” he noted.
Bellinger won his second Silver Slugger award last month and averaged .307 with a .356 OBP, 26 home runs, 97 RBIs and 20 steals with the Chicago Cubs.
Alex Verdugo, who would compete in the sore position with outstanding numbers and averages of .264/.324/.421 with 37 doubles, 5 triples, 13 home runs and 54 RBIs in the last campaign.
We will have to wait and see whether New York will take a gamble on Bellinger, how much they are willing to spend and what kind of deal the 28-year-old is looking for.