New York Yankees Eyeing Top Slugger Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
The Yankees
The New York Yankees are gearing up to make significant moves as the MLB trade deadline gets closer. Despite having a season filled with injuries, the Yankees are still on the hot spot, two games away from the Wild Card spot. The team is optimistic about making a strong push for the postseason, but they’re not resting yet.
The New York #Yankees are a bad baseball club.
Bad Manager.
Bad Front Office.
Bad Players.
It is what it is.
— Brian Rappaport (@BRappy55) July 16, 2023
Who do the Yankees want to trade for?
According to reports from The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Yankees have their sights on Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger. The 28-year-old slugger has generated a lot of attention. With the Yankees in need of outfield reinforcements, Bellinger seems like an ideal fit.
Cody Bellinger was always meant to be a Yankee… pic.twitter.com/La2yGbZiGz
— ZT🗽 (@NY_EvilEmpire) July 24, 2023
Who is Cody Bellinger?
Bellinger, who claimed the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2019, had a remarkable season in Chicago. With a batting average of .319, an on-base percentage of .369, a slugging percentage of .549, and 14 home runs and 44 RBIs in 68 games, Bellinger has amassed impressive stats.
Bellinger also has a mutual option in his contract, allowing him to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason. After an amazing comeback performance, Bellinger hitting the open market is very likely. The Cubs would have to capitalize on his value now rather than lose him for nothing in the future.
Will the Yankees get Cody Bellinger?
For the Yankees, landing a player like Bellinger would be a challenge. The team’s offense has been lacking in the season, Bellinger’s presence would provide the much-needed support the Yankees need. Even if he becomes a rental player, the Yankees will still do better than they are now.
However, acquiring Bellinger isn’t going to be easy. The Cubs will most likely demand a very high price for the outfielder. The Yankees will have to get rid of some prospects to get the deal done. This then leaves the Yankees to decide whether they want to have a more successful future or an immediate success.
Cody Bellinger is hitting .476 as we near the halfway point in July.
That would be the highest BA by a Cubs player in a calendar month in nearly 100 years. pic.twitter.com/CnGnnPoF1w
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 15, 2023
In the end…
With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees need to come up with a decision If they get the deal for Bellinger, this can lead to a major turn in the course of their current season. However, the team’s future will take a hit. For now, all eyes remain on the Yankees as they have to keep making tough decisions like these.