Breaking News: Bellinger Returns!
- Andy Singer
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Cody Bellinger is back in pinstripes! No one can claim that the Yankees have done nothing this offseason anymore. Cody Bellinger returns to the Yankees on a 5-year, $162.5 million deal with opt-outs after the 2nd and 3rd seasons, a $20 million signing bonus, and a full no-trade clause. There are no deferrals, so no luxury tax games either.
Quick Reaction:
The Yankees needed a contact bat, with pop and good plate discipline to pair with Judge at the top of the lineup. While I personally thought there were better options on the free agent market, Bellinger remains a strong fit for the lineup as currently designed.
I can't help but think that one of Dominguez or Spencer Jones will be on the move now or at the trade deadline. While I tend to think that having too many people for only so many spots is a good problem that often works itself out, the Yankees do still have some holes that could use addressing, and Dominguez and/or Jones are two of the best trade chips the team has. Of course, one or both could end up being luxury reserve or part-time outfielders this season, which isn't the end of the world either.
The Yankees spent real money! We can argue with how that money has been spent, but it is now undeniable that ownership is willing to spend.
Bellinger impacts more than just Dominguez and Jones. What if one of the two kids impresses while Grisham falls back to Earth? Bellinger's defensive flexibility is a huge chess piece that will help the Yankee machine chug along.
The same goes for an injury to Ben Rice; Bellinger plays a fine first base. Keeping at least one of Dominguez or Jones sounds better and better...
I can't imagine that Bellinger had any offers that came close to what the Yankees were offering. Scott Boras has a tendency to stretch free agents deep into February, so signing in January acknowledges that the Yankees had by far the best offer.
I am also glad that the Yankees didn't bid against themselves or play games to decrease the luxury tax burden. Sign the guy for a length of time that makes some sense, and be done with it.
Whatever else we can say, the Yankees targeted their guy, and they got him.
Without further moves, I think that the Yankees have one of the best outfields in baseball, with enviable depth. It is by far the strongest position group on the team.
While I've been a bit lower on Bellinger than others over the years, I still think he's a good player who has proven he can play on big stages. That's worth something, and I'm happy to have him back.
I wonder what, if anything, comes next?!?!
