By Zach PressnellShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe New York Yankees swung a big trade for Cody Bellinger last offseason, and it paid off in a huge way. Bellinger was one of the best players on the Yankees this year, but he had an opt-out in his contract.
With Bellinger deciding to opt out, he hit the open market when free agency started. As a result, there are bound to be a slew of top suitors in the running for the slugger.
Zach Mentz of Cleveland.com recently predicted Bellinger would sign a massive six-year, $162 million deal in free agency after his big season with the Yankees.
..."Bellinger is a former MVP who, while no longer playing at that level, is still a proven middle-of-the-order hitter," Mentz wrote. "He also plays stellar defense at all three outfield positions and first base. He’ll likely be Plan B for whichever teams don’t win the Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes."
The top teams in the Bellinger sweepstakes seem bound to be the Yankees, the New York Mets, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers need to add an outfielder to replace Michael Conforto in the outfield. They have some familiarity with Bellinger after the star spent a good chunk of time in Los Angeles to begin his career. They have the money, and the fit makes sense, though the Dodgers could be caught chasing Kyle Tucker instead.
The Mets desperately need an outfielder after whiffing on the postseason last year. They seem destined to spend a lot of money in free agency, which could result in a huge offer to Bellinger.
But the Yankees should be looked at as the favorites. They have one of the more aggressive front offices in the sport, which should result in a relentless pursuit of Bellinger. The only thing that could get in their way is a potential contract for Tucker instead.
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