The New York Yankees could be facing a worst-case scenario offseason.
New York has had a quiet offseason as the team now has its focus on re-signing Cody Bellinger. Yet, Bellinger is reportedly weighing interest in other teams, as a return may not be likely.
Yankees broadcaster and insider Michael Kay believes the worst-case scenario is possible and that’s Bellinger signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“The worst-case scenario for the Yankees would be if they lose Bellinger to the Blue Jays,” Kay said. “Because if they lose Bellinger to the Blue Jays, and let’s say that there isn’t a deal made and that they simply give (Jasson) Dominguez the lion’s share of the at-bats, the Blue Jays then, let’s all be honest with each other — they move ahead of the Yankees in terms of expectations.”
Kay believes the Yankees need to make sure they land Bellinger, as it will be tough without him.
“Is it going to be tough if they don’t get Bellinger? Yeah, I’m not going to sit here and lie to you,” Kay said. “If they lose Bellinger, they better make another move, and that trade that Brian (Cashman) is working on, it better be something impressive, even to get back to where you were last year.”
The analyst believes that if Bellinger signs with the Blue Jays, it would make Toronto the AL East favorites, while the Yankees would need to make a major move.
Yankees Still Appear to be Favorites for Bellinger
Although Bellinger has yet to sign, it still appears the Yankees are the favorite to land him.
New York reportedly has a competitive offer out on the table for Bellinger. Meanwhile, MLB insider Randy Miller of NJ.com believes Bellinger returning to the Bronx is a sure thing.
“The Yankees have stood their ground, then waited. They want Bellinger back. But are comfortable their backup plan, which is moving on with second-year talent Jasson Dominguez in left field,” Miller wrote on Wednesday. “The Yankees’ tactic looks like it’s going to work out. Bellinger appears to have one good offer, five years for $160 million from the Yankees.
“With the Mets probably out, the Phillies also likely out, and the Blue Jays seemingly out, Bellinger returning to the Yankees appears to be a sure thing.”
If the Yankees do land Bellinger, it would be a nice offseason for New York to keep pace in the stacked AL East.
Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season with the Yankees.
Decision on Bellinger Expected Soon
Bellinger remains the top free agent hitter available, and a decision is expected soon.
MLB insider Jim Bowden reported on X that Bellinger is closing in on a decision and it could come anyday now.
“Cody Bellinger is mulling over multiple offers from multiple teams and is expected to make a decision shortly,” Bowden wrote on X on Tuesday.
Bellinger is reportedly looking for a lucrative long-term deal. The Yankees, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in him.
Bellinger was the NL MVP in 2019.
Yankees Insider Reveals Worst-Case Scenario News as Cody Bellinger Decision Awaits