Why the Yankees will likely part with Cody Bellinger

It’s been a resurgent year for former MVP Cody Bellinger, hitting .271/.329/.489 with 29 home runs since being traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees over the offseason. And while the Yankees have benefitted greatly from his presence at the plate, chances are, Bellinger will soon be leaving the Bronx. 

After the season is over, Bellinger will have two options: exercise his player option and remain with the Yankees, earning $25 million next year, a slight pay cut from 2024 and 2025, or decline it and enter free agency. It is safe to assume he will choose the latter. 

If he hits the market, Bellinger will be due for a decent raise. This, combined with the fact that he's 30 years old, should be enough to temper any interest shown by the Yankees. If that isn’t enough, there is always his mildly off-putting injury history and uneven track record. But the main reason the Yankees will likely pass on him is because they already have a budding star ready to fill in.

Spencer Jones is ready to rise to the occasion

Yankees No. 3 prospect Spencer Jones stands on the cusp of his MLB debut. This year, he is hitting for a career-high .274/.360/.571 slash line with 35 home runs (also a career high) and 28 steals. He is expected to take over as the Yankees centerfielder next year.

Over his minor-league career, Jones has shown both a high ceiling and a low floor. Dubbed the “Left-handed Aaron Judge,” high expectations are riding on this unproven prospect. With both Jones and Jasson Dominguez ready to split the outfield spotlight with Aaron Judge on a regular basis, it would be reasonable to assume the Yankees will be in the market for a veteran outfielder, but not one with a hefty price tag, the likes of which Bellinger will soon command if he opts for free agency.

Does all this mean the Yankees will show no interest in Bellinger should he depart? Not exactly. Paul Goldschmidt is set to hit free agency as well, leaving an opening at first base that Bellinger could readily fill. However, Bellinger almost certainly won't be their first choice. 

Among the likely promising free agent options to keep an eye on are Pete Alonso (opt-out), Josh Naylor, Rhys Hoskins (mutual option) and soon-to-be posted Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami, who won a triple crown and set the NPB single-season home run record with 56. The Yankees were rumored to have interest in Murakami numerous times, as well as both Alonso and Naylor at least once last offseason. 

Again, this is one instance where price and age will be overarching factors for the Yankees, who normally take a cautious and frugal approach when acquiring players. This would be especially true if Bellinger pursues a long-term deal, which seems increasingly likely. We can expect the Yankees to at least talk with him since he is still a viable option, but any real interest in Bellinger will be largely muted. 

For the Yankees, Bellinger has been a solid addition. However, his great year in pinstripes won’t make him their long-term solution.