UPDATE: The New York Yankees are making it clear they are eager to retain outfielder Cody Bellinger as free agency heats up. Just announced, General Manager Brian Cashman expressed the team’s strong interest during a press conference on November 8, 2023, at the annual general manager meetings in Las Vegas.
Bellinger is expected to attract significant attention in the free agent market after a standout season with the Yankees, where he hit 29 home runs and recorded an impressive 4.9 fWAR. While he won’t command the same record-setting contract as fellow outfielder Juan Soto, who recently signed for $450 million, Bellinger is projected to sign a lucrative deal, potentially around $165 million over six years, according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.
Cashman stated, “We’re very interested in bringing him back,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. The Yankees are looking to bolster their roster after a successful season where they won 94 games but fell short in the American League Division Series to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bellinger was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last December in a swift response to losing Soto to the New York Mets. The Yankees sent minor league pitcher Cody Poteet to the Cubs, along with $5 million to help cover Bellinger’s salary, which stands at $27.5 million for 2025. The move has proven beneficial, as Bellinger became one of the Yankees’ key players, shining both offensively and defensively.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Bellinger excelled against left-handed pitching, leading all left-handed hitters with a remarkable .415 on-base percentage and .601 slugging percentage. His all-around skills and ability to steal bases—achieving 13 steals in 15 attempts—have solidified his status as a top-tier outfielder.
Adding to the urgency, fellow Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham is also facing a pivotal decision. Grisham must accept the Yankees’ qualifying offer of $22.025 million by November 18 or risk entering the free agent pool, where he is expected to garner significant interest after hitting a career-high 34 home runs last season. Cashman confirmed that Grisham’s decision would not hinder the Yankees’ pursuit of Bellinger, emphasizing the team’s flexibility in the market.
As the hot stove season kicks off, the Yankees are keen to solidify their roster. “We’d be better served if we could retain him,” Cashman reiterated about Bellinger. “But if not, then we’ll have to look at alternatives.”
With the clock ticking on free agency, the Yankees are poised for potential roster changes. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds, making Bellinger’s future with the team a hot topic in the coming weeks. The urgency is palpable as the Yankees aim to secure their star outfielder and enhance their chances for the next season.
