The New York Yankees’ season is over, and general manager Brian Cashman is gearing up for the offseason and free agency. Cody Bellinger’s future figures to be a major talking point.
Bellinger was acquired from the Chicago Cubs to help cover the loss of Juan Soto. He was a star in the Bronx and has set himself up to be paid. He has an opt-out in his deal, and after the year he had, he should be able to find a better, long-term deal on the open market.
Bellinger was an impact player for the Yankees, and Aaron Judge has already noted he wants him back next year. However, that decision ultimately falls on Bellinger and Cashman. Cashman spoke on Bellinger amid the uncertainty of his future.
“He was an impact player for us,” Cashman said in a clip posted by SNY. “I’m glad we got him, and we certainly expect him to opt out. We haven’t gotten to those conversations yet. … He was really impactful for us,” Cashman continued in the clip posted by SNY. “He was one of the many reasons why we were in a position to believe that we were capable of great things this year. I thank him for everything he’s done. Certainly would love to have him with our team moving forward, but we haven’t had any of those discussions. I haven’t had any conversations with Scott Boras. Bouquets his way, without a doubt. He helped us on both sides of the ball, he’s a versatile player, and he was great in our clubhouse.”
Cashman’s comments revealed that Bellinger and the team have not had any discussions on a new contract. He noted that he and Boras have not spoken, so that means they have not discussed an extension during the season either. However, he sang praises of Bellinger and noted the team wants him back.
If the Yankees want him back, it will have to be on a new, more lucrative deal via free agency. Bellinger’s agent, Boras, is known for working deals that break the bank, so the Yankees will have to spend big to keep Bellinger around.
When free agency opens, Bellinger figures to be one of the hottest names on the market. He hit .272 with 29 home runs. It was the most home runs he has hit in a season since his MVP season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cashman and the Yankees clearly like Bellinger and would love to have him back. However, free agency means that they can be outbid by a more desperate suitor. Perhaps Bellinger’s desire to stay with the Yankees will overshadow some of the offers he will receive from clubs willing to pay more.
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