Cody Bellinger vs. Juan Soto Stats Breakdown: Which Player Is the Ideal Fit for the New York Yankees?

The New York Yankees, a franchise synonymous with glory and achievement, faced a disappointing 2023 season. Injuries, poor play, and a general lack of cohesion throughout the year not only prevented them from making the postseason, but they also negatively affected the team. Despite their $280 million payroll being the second-highest in history, the Yankees’ fortunes fell flat. Now in rebuilding mode, the club is looking for new blood.

The team plan was called into question after they put a lot of money into a losing season. The Yankees are at a crossroads as the winter begins, wondering how they can revive their winning ways. With some of their key players, like Luis Severino and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, scheduled for free agency, the Yankees are hunting for replacements to improve their fortunes. Two intriguing names keep coming up when discussing the Yankees’ offense.

Do the stats predict Cody Bellinger in Pinstripes next?

The MLB realm is well familiar with Cody Bellinger’s heroics. Often touted as versatile, the slugger made his debut at the age of 21. Now 28, his career batting average of.258 shows consistent production at the plate, though it has suffered in recent years. His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 22.1 is commendable, thanks in large part to his 10.8 offensive WAR. Numbers upon numbers show that whatever team’s colors Bellinger wears, he will be an asset.

In the realm of Saber metrics, Bellinger boasts 361 extra-base hits, a Batting Average on Balls in Play (BAbip) of.285 along with a 7.9% stolen base success rate (SB%). His high BABIP means he is constantly finding ways to put the ball in play better. But the two-time All-Star’s WPA of 8.8, while respectable, suggests he has slightly worse clutch scores. High-pressure situations are not his strong point.

As far as economics is concerned, Bellinger?s $17.5 million contract with the Cubs means that even in the event of a pay raise, he is certainly a prospect well within the Yankees’ pockets and will ensure the team doesn’t have to lose other key players in a bid to get him on board. Now that he has declined an offer of re-signing with Chicago, his chances of coming to the Bronx have surged upwards.

Apart from this left-handed hitter, is there another, even better option?

The hype surrounding Juan Soto is not unfounded

Meanwhile, at just 25 years old, Juan Soto has made a huge impact in 779 games and 3375 plate appearances. His career batting average stands at a solid .284, reflecting his ability to consistently connect and get on base. Soto?s career WAR of 28.7 is significantly higher than Bellinger?s, underscoring his value to his team. With an 18.1 offensive WAR and an impressive Wins Above Average (WAA) of 30.5, Soto?s contributions are evident.

This means that Soto has been an ample offensive force throughout his career. Soto’s saber metric statistics are equally impressive, with 319 extra-base hits, a solid BAbip of .307, and a stolen base success rate (SB%) of 24.5%, which shows he has a knack for quality contact that draws attention, not his all-around skills. Additionally, Soto’s wins added possibilities (WPA) of 18.4 and good cracking scores show his ability to rise to the occasion at crucial times. This, along with the sheer talent the young Dominican possesses, makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations.

Economically speaking, Soto is poised to sign a record-breaking deal. As the San Diego Padres grapple with their choice of whether to retain the star slugger, the Yankees will have a lot of analysis on their hands too. Soto has previously rejected a 15-year, 440-million deal from his former team, the Washington Nationals. But the Yankees aren’t the only team vying for his services.

The list of interested teams also includes big names and rivals like the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs. The competition is fierce, and to make room on the roster for Soto, the Yankees might also be compelled to trade off one or more stars like Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Dominguez.

Who is a better prospect for the Yankees?

Juan Soto has all the ingredients for being a megastar. He has superlative talent, already holds exceptional records, and is perceived to end up being a great player. Be it the Padres or the Nationals, he has been a vital cog whenever he has been a part of any team. Also known for being exceptionally consistent and disciplined, the sky is the limit for this generational talent. With age favoring him, Soto could be a surefire long-term investment. This goes hand in hand with the Yankees’ record of developing and nurturing top talent. Even so, the Bombers may not be ready to empty their pockets just yet.

Read More- Which Are the Top 3 Landing Spots for Padres? Juan Soto?

On the other hand, Cody Bellinger is also a viable option. While on paper Soto might edge him out but Bellinger comes from a family with Yankee roots and has more experience on his side. Not to mention, the talented 28-year-old can play in multiple positions, which makes him a sought-after commodity. If he can continue his current form, the Yankees may just make it to October. Given his versatile talent, Bellinger has all it takes to make it to the Big Apple as part of the Yankees rebuild.

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As the Pinstripes look deep into their flawed system, there will be an in-depth analysis of what each of these players can bring to the table. It will be a tough decision, as both are left-handers and will benefit from the short porch on the right field at Yankee Stadium. It will be interesting to see which way the iconic franchisee goes and how it affects their future success.