The New York Yankees are going through a rough stretch and find themselves just one game up on the surging Cleveland Guardians for the final American League Wild Card spot.
One player who is not at fault is outfielder Cody Bellinger, who is one of New York’s top players and will have a major contract decision looming. The 30-year-old outfielder signed a one-year deal with the Yankees in the offseason, but has two options after this season that make it a deal that would be three years worth up to $60 million. That is, if he chose not to opt out after this season.
Cody Bellinger Expected to Make the Right Choice
After this career appeared to be in a downward spiral during his final years with the Dodgers, Cody Bellinger turned it around with the Chicago Cubs with 44 home runs and an OPS+ of 125 over two seasons. Now, he’s having another fine offensive season with the New York Yankees, likely leading to an opt-out following the season so he can test out free agency. Bellinger has 21 home runs, 68 RBIs, and an OPS of .808 in 111 games.
In an article by CBSSports, it is predicted that Bellinger will opt out of his current contract to pursue a more lucrative deal:
“Bellinger opt outs. He’s fit in so well with the Yankees that I would expect them to pursue a reunion, but an extension that makes the opt-out moot would surprise me. Bellinger still is a Scott Boras client, after all, and Boras typically takes his clients out into free agency. To keep him, the Yankees would likely have to win a free-agent bidding war.”
This season marks Bellinger’s third consecutive season of above-average offensive performance. While he is aging a bit, he’s shown the ability to adjust his swing and steadily hit for power.
Cody Bellinger Expected to Stay With Yankees
Playing at Yankee Stadium certainly helps, but Cody Bellinger is also a versatile defender who can play all three defensive outfield positions, as well as first base if needed. While he’s predicted to test free agency, the New York Yankees likely would re-sign Bellinger, and Bellinger himself should want that, considering the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.
He had two abysmal seasons with the Dodgers during the final two years of his tenure, but has since done a complete 180, and he has never lost his knack for a game-changing performance on defense.
Predicting his next contract is tricky because the New York Yankees would likely try to lock him up for a shorter period, but Bellinger may want some job security for the next 5+ years. However, New York consistently has one of baseball’s highest payrolls, so their front office should have no problem getting him on a higher AAV deal.
Regardless, the contract situation will work itself out following the season, but for now, Bellinger has to focus on the here and now, which is helping the Yankees avoid not making the playoffs.
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