There is talk among analysts that the New York Yankees are considering adding Cody Bellinger to their roster to improve their competitiveness. It is part of their larger plan to revitalize and strengthen their team.
Buster Olney of ESPN emphasizes Cody Bellinger’s strong start to the year, where he has tried to improve his contact rate. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and baserunning abilities, Bellinger’s experience in major markets throughout his career could make him well-suited for the New York spotlight.
Like father, like son.
It is worth noting that Cody Bellinger’s father, Clay Bellinger, previously played for the Yankees, and Cody grew up surrounded by notable players like Derek Jeter. However, given Bellinger’s inconsistent performance in recent years, his success with the Yankees remains to be determined.
Cody Bellinger has struggled in his last ten games, recording a 4-for-37 batting record, four walks, ten strikeouts, and just one extra-base hit. A rival executive suggests that the Cubs consider extending Bellinger a qualifying offer for 2024 to secure potential draft-pick compensation, which would require any interested team to match that value. Unless Bellinger experiences a significant improvement in his performance, this could be a considerable price to pay.
During his childhood, Cody Bellinger often accompanied his father, Clay Bellinger, during his stint with the Yankees from 1999 to 2001. It is reasonable to assume that being around accomplished players like the “core four” during their consecutive championship victories left a lasting impression on him.
A World Series champion
Cody Bellinger has already succeeded in his professional career, winning a World Series ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. However, his journey has been marked by ups and downs. Initially recognized for his power-hitting abilities as a left-handed batter, he evolved into an MVP Award-winning superstar before experiencing a significant decline in his hitting prowess.
In his last three seasons with the Dodgers, Bellinger struggled, batting a meager .203 and losing much of his power. He hit only 41 home runs and posted a lackluster .376 slugging percentage during that period.
Last offseason, the Chicago Cubs signed a two-time All-Star to a one-year deal worth $17.5 million. In his 43 games with the team thus far, Bellinger has shown signs of improvement, hitting .252 and increasing his slugging percentage to a respectable .454.
With the trade deadline approaching, analysts now suggest that Bellinger could be an appealing target for the Yankees. Tell me, do you agree with this trade?
What do you think? Leave your comment below!
If I were the Yankees, I’d be interested in obtaining Bellinger. I think playing for the team his dad played for would revitalize him. Not to say he hasn’t done well in Chicago. One wonders what trade pieces the Cubs are looking for if they’re inclined to trading Bellinger.