Yankees Predicted to Lock Up $80 Million Ex-MVP Slugger
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The New York Yankees are clinging onto the last remaining playoff spot in the American League, but it's never too early to start thinking about next year.
While the team is embroiled in a playoff chase at the moment, it will soon face some significant questions about the future of its roster. Several key members are set to become free agents, including Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham and Luke Weaver. Some players, like beleaguered closer Devin Williams, will be sent packing. While others, like former Most Valuable Player Award winner Cody Bellinger, could be welcomed back with bigger contracts.
Bellinger joined the Yankees through a trade with the Chicago Cubs as he entered the second year of a three-year, $80 million contract. But as he's enjoyed a resurgent season in the Bronx, Bellinger seems likely to exercise his player option on that contract and return to free agency.
After he does so, Randy Miller of NJ.com predicted the Yankees will re-sign him.
BRONX, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner speaks during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by)
BRONX, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner speaks during a press conference at Yankee Stadium on December 21, 2022 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by)
Satloff/Getty
Bellinger is barely 30 years old and with a .269/.323/.485 slash line, 21 homers and 10 stolen bases on the year, he has shown that he still has plenty left in the tank. As a result, it won't be cheap for the Yankees to lock him into a longer-term contract.
"Bellinger would only be 35 at the completion of a five-year deal or 36 after a six-year pact," Steve Adams noted for MLB Trade Rumors. "An annual salary of $20MM for a 30-year-old corner outfielder who's posted a .283/.337/.481 slash line in nearly 1,600 plate appearances since 2023 — particularly one who can capably handle center field or first base — should be attainable, which means Bellinger has a real chance to sign for more than $100MM on the open market this time around."
There's good reason to question whether the Yankees would really be willing to commit a nine-figure contract to yet another veteran star, given their standing commitments to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole. But Bellinger has fit very well on the team and the Bombers could be willing to pay the price to keep him.
More MLB: Mets Teammate Predicts Pete Alonso Will 'Get What He Deserves' In Free Agency
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