Yankees’ Options if Cody Bellinger Doesn’t Return
As the New York Yankees navigate their roster for the upcoming season, the future of Cody Bellinger remains uncertain. Hal Steinbrenner has expressed a desire to reduce payroll, while Brian Cashman has acknowledged a need to diversify the team’s batting lineup, which has leaned heavily left-handed.
Yankees’ Dilemma with Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger, a standout player with an impressive track record, is poised for a significant contract this offseason. His ability to excel against left-handed pitchers is noteworthy; he posted an outstanding .353 batting average and a 1.016 OPS in left-on-left matchups last season. This performance makes him a valuable asset for the Yankees.
The Challenge of Retaining Talent
Despite Bellinger’s skill set, the Yankees face financial constraints. Steinbrenner has repeatedly confirmed the team’s intent to remain beneath the $300 million payroll mark. Signing Bellinger without reallocating existing salaries could push the franchise beyond this limit.
Alternative Options
Given the complexities surrounding Bellinger, the Yankees appear to have contingency plans in place. Plans B, C, and D may come into play as they explore other options. Notably, Paul Goldschmidt has a strong left-handed hitting profile with a .981 OPS in similar scenarios, but it is unlikely he will return to the team.
- Cody Bellinger: Left-handed hitter with .353 average against lefties.
- Hal Steinbrenner: Focus on curtailing payroll.
- Brian Cashman: Noted imbalance in batting lineup.
- Potential loss of key right-handed bats: Gleyber Torres, Chad Durbin, Carlos Narváez.
The Yankees must weigh their options carefully as they prepare for the new season. The decision regarding Bellinger will significantly impact their strategy moving forward.
