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The New York Yankees were one of the best teams in baseball this year, but they managed to fall short in the playoffs against the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, they’ll have to wrestle with the idea of losing one of their superstars in Cody Bellinger.
For Bellinger, The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects he will receive a seven-year, $182 million contract. Since this is the best year he’s had in a while, it definitely helps his case for a payday.
“Last time he hit free agency, Bellinger was coming off his first good season in the past three. This time, he’s established more consistent results while flashing the ability that won him an MVP back in 2019. Still entering just his age-30 season, this should be the winter he fully cashes in…it would not be unreasonable to see Bellinger land a seven or eight-year deal,” Britton wrote.
This season, Bellinger finished slashing .272/.334/.480/.813 with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI in 152 games played. The former MVP was also a crucial slugger in the playoffs, getting hits and RBIs that were desperately needed in the AL Wild Card series and their win in the ALDS.
Will the Yankees keep him? Maybe, but maybe not. They already have Aaron Judge with a fixed position in the outfield, Jasson Dominguez ready for the next step, and top prospect Spencer Jones knocking at the door.
Realistically, the Yankees will shoot an offer at him, but he’ll most likely decline in favor of someone paying him more on another contender. Hopefully, the Yankees hold onto him, but otherwise, they should be prepared to say goodbye.
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