The New York Yankees may go out of the Cody Bellinger race even though they desperately need a lefty. It’s a surprising development as the 2019 MVP had one of his career’s best seasons in 2023. While his batting stats were extraordinary and led to him winning a Silver Slugger award, there was one thing that worried the Pinstripes.

The Bronx team went through one of their worst offensive seasons in 2023. With their bats cooling, Cody Bellinger could provide much-needed hitting power. But with recently emerging numbers, Cody Love could go against what the Bronx Bombers have traditionally looked for in their hitters.

The New York Yankees may have a problem with Bellinger’s low hard-hit rate

Even though Cody Bellinger batted at .307/.356/.525, his hard-hit rate was rather underwhelming. He ranked 170 with a rate of only 31.4%. This is something that scares the Yankees, as it shows that maybe Bellinger might not have had a sustainable comeback. It can be bypassed due to his great average, but the Yankees have always preferred hard-hitting batters.

This is exactly what Jon Heyman highlighted in a recent article in the New York Post. “He seems like the perfect fit as an excellent center fielder who bats lefthanded and hit .306 after a couple rough injury years,” wrote Heyman. The Bombers’ preferences can be understood by the fact that most of their hitters have a rate that is above 37% with their captain Aaron Judge being no.1 in the league with 64.2%. Would the Bronx Bombers be ready to sacrifice their hard-hitting style for Bellinger?

Though they can bet on his batting average in 2023, that may not be sustainable because that .307 was the best number he’s had in his career. Past data can make it seem like an anomaly until Bellinger proves otherwise. But it could be a big risk for them especially when there are other lefties available this offseason.

If the Bellinger deal collapses, what other options do the Yankees have?

They are already pursuing Juan Soto quite heavily. The Dominican star can do everything that Cody Love does but is more consistent. The only problem with him is that it would be only a year-long stay as he enters free agency next year. Will the Yankees give him a massive salary only for a year’s service?

Read more: Cody Bellinger’s Free Agency Predictions See Massive Variation, With Top Insiders Uncertain Despite a Silver Slugger Season

Another name is Jung Ho Lee, the South Korean hitter. MLB insiders expect his posting in December and with a career average of .340, he seems like a good get for any team. The Yankees are said to be interested in him but so is the rest of the league.

With so many options, doubts have surely been raised about Bellinger’s deal. Will fans get to see him in Pinstripes after all?

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