Cody Bellinger would ‘absolutely’ return to Yankees, but his and Trent Grisham’s possible departures leave outfield questions
Share this @internewscast.com

Last year, it was Juan Soto.

This year, it’s Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham.

For the second offseason in a row, the Yankees are facing major uncertainties about their outfield, with players like Bellinger and Grisham nearing the opportunity to explore free agency.

Bellinger has a $25 million player option for the upcoming season, and choosing to opt-out could allow the 30-year-old to secure another lucrative deal after an impressive first year with the Yankees.

Following Wednesday night’s season-ending loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Bellinger mentioned he plans to discuss his future with his family and agent Scott Boras, though he expressed a definite interest in returning to the Yankees.

“I had an amazing experience wearing this uniform, playing at Yankee Stadium, feeling the support of the fans, and being part of the organization and the unique culture that’s been built in this locker room, which is really special,” Bellinger remarked after the 5-2 loss in Game 4 of the ALDS.

Bellinger — whose father, Clay Bellinger, played for the Yankees from 1999-2001 — said he had not spoken to general manager Brian Cashman.

“It was a fantastic group to be with,” Bellinger continued. “Falling short is tough, especially because we had such a promising team here.”

On Friday, ESPN reported Bellinger planned to opt out. Grisham, 28, did not speak to the media following Wednesday’s loss.

Bellinger and Grisham were key in compensating for the offensive gap left by Soto’s exit last winter, as he joined the Mets with a 15-year, $765 million deal.

The Yankees acquired Bellinger in a December trade with the Chicago Cubs as part of their post-Soto pivot.

The lefty-swinging Bellinger batted .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI and an .813 OPS while providing elite outfield defense. The versatile veteran spent considerable time at all three outfield positions and made seven appearances at first base as well.

Grisham, a two-time Gold Glove winner, arrived in the same trade with the San Diego Padres that sent Soto to the Yankees before the 2024 season.

While Grisham was primarily a bench piece in 2024, he broke out this year with 34 home runs, doubling his previous career high. The lefty-hitting Grisham emerged as the Yankees’ primary center fielder and as their leadoff hitter against right-handed pitchers.

“They’re a big reason why I was so excited about this club down the stretch,” manager Aaron Boone said of Bellinger and Grisham after Wednesday’s loss.

“Really proud of who those guys were and are, and what they became as players, as driving forces for our team. …. I’m grateful to get to have managed those two guys. Who knows? Hopefully in both cases, I get to keep doing it.”

The Yankees have Aaron Judge entrenched in right field, while 22-year-old Jasson Domínguez made 100 appearances in left field this season despite losing playing time behind the veterans down the stretch.

Another internal option is power-hitting center fielder Spencer Jones, one of the Yankees’ top prospects, who finished the season at Triple-A.

Bellinger and Grisham are expected to be two of the top outfielders in a free-agent market headlined by Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs.

Spotrac projects Bellinger’s market value to be an annual average salary of $30.4 million and for Grisham’s to be $12.1 million.

“It was fun to watch them, fun to learn from them, and hopefully we can run them back,” Judge said. “We’ll see what happens.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

UK’s Bold Move: Starmer Plans to Deploy Aircraft Carrier to Greenland – What It Means for Global Relations

Sir Keir Starmer has declared that a naval carrier group will be…

Shocking Case: Nanny Sentenced to Life for Murder Plot to Steal Husband

An au pair embroiled in a sinister plot with her employer-turned-lover to…

Friends of Nancy Guthrie Speak Out, Sharing Messages of Hope and Resilience

Close friends of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, who recently went missing, have spoken…

Starmer Criticizes Rivals’ Stance on Russia Amid Voting Reform Debate and Green Party Tensions

In a pivotal speech taking place in Munich today, Sir Keir Starmer…

Carnival Kicks Off in Rio: Vibrant Parade of Festive Attire Takes Over Brazil Streets

As the vibrant Rio Carnival kicks off in full swing, the streets…

Mastering Culinary Pronunciation: Top Five Frequently Mispronounced Foods and How to Get Them Right

Encountering a word that everyone else seems to pronounce effortlessly can be…

Shocking Society: New Perspective Emerges in Wife’s Feud with Alleged Mistress

The monochrome text of emails dating back 11 years seemed innocuous at…

U.S. Lawmakers Call for Mandelson to Testify Before Congress

In a significant move, U.S. lawmakers have called for Lord Peter Mandelson…

Peter Mandelson Emerges: First Public Appearance Since Epstein Controversy

Lord Peter Mandelson was spotted for the first time following revelations about…

Five Words That Instantly Kill the Mood: Jana Hocking Reveals All

Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’s Day is upon us, so…

Firsthand Account: The Harrowing Reality Faced by Nigerian Christians Amidst Jihadist Attacks

As I navigate the expansive, parched terrain, the haunting words echo in…

Grieving Mother Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Murdered Asylum Hotel Worker

Siobhan Whyte’s final words to her daughter, Rhiannon, were a poignant blend…