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  • December 14, 2024
Yankees linked to former MVP again

Yankees linked to former MVP again

Can the Yankees try again for Cody Bellinger?

Last season, the Yankees showed interest in the former NL MVP, who ultimately stayed with the Cubs.

Bellinger opted out of his $27.5 million contract with Chicago through 2025, which was an interesting move for a client of Scott Boras, who typically takes his players to free agency to test the market.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post cited the move as a reason why the Cubs could look again at trading Bellinger. He also suggests that the outfielder and first baseman are someone the Yankees should keep an eye on.

According to Sherman, there was a “feeling among executives” during general manager meetings that the Cubs, who came in just above the lower luxury tax line of $237 million this year, would like to get below $241 million by 2025.

Bellinger’s deal he just opted for will generate $26.7 million in luxury tax relief.

If Bellinger were to pick up his $25 million player option in 2026, that would mean he would be worth $52.5 million over the next two years — a number he and Boras decided not to test on the free-agent market this offseason.

Bellinger, 29, hit .266 with a .751 OPS this season and his WAR dropped from 4.4 to 2.2 from 2023 to 2024. While he is still a big name, the Yankees could realistically acquire him with the capital they have.