As the New York Yankees come to grips with their unsuccessful pursuit of Juan Soto, the spotlight now shifts to Cody Bellinger, the Chicago Cubs outfielder. Once crowned the National League Most Valuable Player, Bellinger is a name synonymous with baseball excellence. His possible move to the Yankees has stirred significant interest across the baseball landscape.
Last season, Bellinger posted a respectable slash line of .266/.325/.426, complemented by 18 home runs and nine stolen bases. However, the 28-year-old's performance has seen considerable variation over his career, fluctuating in OPS by at least 110 points on a season-by-season basis over the past seven years. Despite this, there’s no denying the slugger's ability to pull the ball with authority, ranking in the 89th percentile for pulling the ball in the air.
This fluctuating performance adds layers to the calculations any potential new team might consider, but it also offers glimpses of the remarkable heights Bellinger could reach. For instance, just a season prior, he managed to hit 26 home runs and achieved an impressive 139 OPS+. Moreover, Statcast analytics suggest that if Bellinger had played his last season at Yankee Stadium, he might have sent six more balls over the fence, amplifying his appeal to the Yankees.
Financially, acquiring Bellinger involves careful consideration. The Cubs are looking to reallocate his $27.5 million salary for the coming season. Bellinger’s current contract has a $5 million buyout option and a player option for an additional $25 million in the subsequent year. For the Yankees, who are in the midst of carefully maneuvering their payroll commitments following recent hefty investments, this potential acquisition must be weighed with precision.
In context, comparisons are inevitable. Teoscar Hernández's recent signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year, $23.5 million deal offers a reference point for negotiations and expectations surrounding Bellinger. Notably, Bellinger remains on the favorable side of 30, adding to his marketability as a versatile and powerful addition to any lineup.
The Yankees are particularly interested in bolstering their batting order with Bellinger, viewing him as a potent threat who can blend power and versatility. The prospect of adding his bat could be a transformative move, potentially bringing the offensive depth they seek. Nevertheless, the Yankees must carefully evaluate the financial implications and the variable nature of Bellinger’s performance metrics before proceeding with any potential deal.
As discussions continue, the Yankees' faithful wait eagerly to see how this potential acquisition plays out. For Bellinger, a move to the Bronx could herald a fresh chapter that taps into his remarkable capabilities, possibly reigniting the spark that earned him league-wide recognition. For now, the baseball world watches closely, anticipating the next move in this unfolding story.