Following a poor 82-80 season in 2023, the New York Yankees have significantly improved their roster for the 2024 season. Does Brian Cashman, the general manager, have one more big splash to make? Could it include Cody Bellinger, the free-agent slugger?
The Bombers expanded their rotation by signing Marcus Stroman to a two-year, $37 million contract. They also boosted their offensive by acquiring outfielders Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and Juan Soto in two separate transactions. Bellinger had been linked to the Yankees before they acquired Soto on December 6. However, once Cashman completed the trade with the San Diego Padres, Bellinger’s fit in the Bronx became less certain.
One front-office executive still considers it a possibility. On January 27, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand questioned executives to find out where they believe the remaining top free agents will land. Despite most Bellinger rumors concentrating on other teams, most notably the Chicago Cubs, one executive believes the Bombers can find a way to make it happen.
A separate National League executive did not provide any specifics when speaking with Feinsand. However, they do not believe New York is done with winter yet. “[Cashman] has one more move up his sleeve,” the executive explained.
How Would Cody Bellinger Fit On the Yankees’ Roster?
One of Bellinger’s strengths is his defensive versatility. He played 84 games in center field for the Cubs in 2023. The left-hander also played 59 games at first base and three more as a designated hitter.
According to the Yankees’ depth chart, those positions on the roster are filled. FanGraphs’ Roster Resource lists Verdugo, Soto, and Aaron Judge as the starting outfielders. Grisham and Oswaldo Cabrera are on the bench, and Anthony Rizzo is the starting first baseman. Giancarlo Stanton should also continue to see the majority of playing time at DH.
So, how might Bellinger fit in with the Yankees? Aside from making way for another transaction, that same CEO discussed his thoughts with Feinsand. If he signs with New York, the slugger may play all three positions in 2024 (center field, first base, and designated hitter). Rizzo has a club option to extend his contract until 2025. The Yankees might decline it and keep Bellinger as their primary first baseman.
Manager Aaron Boone would undoubtedly need to be creative in this situation. However, it appears that Bellinger and the rest of the Yankees’ expected starters will be able to see regular playing time.
Yankees Open to Opportunities Thanks to the slow market
After agreeing to terms with Stroman, writers had varying perspectives on whether the Yankees were done making major offseason acquisitions. On January 11, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal stated that New York was likely done with big trades for the winter. Joel Sherman of the New York Post disagreed, but added that it would depend on whether asking prices reduced.
Several top-tier players remain available on the free agent market. There is currently no indication of any landing contracts in the near future. As a result, MLB teams may capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
Cashman responded to various queries concerning the Yankees’ roster at Stroman’s introductory press conference on January 18. “I believe we have internal candidates, but I would not rule out opportunities through free agency or trade,” he said on New York’s bench situation, according to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty. “Just going to stay open-minded to what the price points are out there relative to what we have here.”
This does not specifically refer to pursuing Bellinger. However, the longer someone like him is on the market, the more time organizations like the Yankees have to think imaginatively about how to make a deal happen. To make this work in the Bronx, the outfielder and his agent, Scott Boras, would most likely have to lower their reputed $200 million asking price.
