Will The Yankees Go All Out For Juan Soto And Cody Bellinger After GM Brian Cashman Confirms Hunt For Two Left-Handed Outfielders?

With the 2023 season in the rearview, the New York Yankees are looking to start afresh this season. GM Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner have made it clear that they do not want to repeat the fiasco that was 2023. The Bronx Bombers had a record of 82-80, barely not ending up in last place in the AL East, their worst since 1992. Post Aaron Judge‘s toe fracture they just collapsed. The ongoing offseason will require serious work but what changes will be made exactly? How can names like Cody Bellinger and Juan Soto help?

One of the chief problems plaguing the team was a gross shortage of capable left-handers in the squad. Apart from this another concern is their reduced depth in the outfield, owing to Jasson Domínguez’s Tommy John surgery. Interestingly though, the Pinstripes can solve both of these problems in one fell swoop.

Cashman could go hard after Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger 

Apart from a certain Japanese sensation, Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger are among two of the most sought-after names in the market right now. Incidentally, both are left-handers and outfielders. While Soto plays for the San Diego Padres, the Friars may be open to trading him this year due to his high salary and their need to lower their payroll.

Cody Bellinger has had a baseball rebirth with the Chicago Cubs, with a batting average of .303 and career-best numbers in 2023. Now that he is a free agent, he’d certainly look interesting wearing Pinstripes.

The Bronx Bomber’s demand for left-handers can be seen through the comments that Brian Cashman made to the media during his recent press conference. “We need two outfielders because of Jasson Dominguez being hurt,” the general manager said. “Obviously, that doesn’t help. So now I need a center fielder. I need a left fielder, preferably left-handed.”

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The New York Yankees were 20th in strikeouts rate in 2023. It was as if everyone suddenly lost the ability to hit the ball; this is where Bellinger and Soto will enter the scene. They had a strikeout percentage of 15.7% and 18.2% respectively. The only Yankees player who was better than these two in 2023 when it came to strikeout percentage was Gleyber Torres with 14.6%. Apart from this Soto is known for his high plate discipline and can help the Yankees’ offense. 

With Bellinger being a free agent, the Yankees should theoretically go all out for him. A franchise like the Yankees doesn’t really go half-heartedly for anyone. Unfortunately, where the Friars slugger is concerned, his situation is rather complicated.

Soto and New York Yankees – An intricate tale of intrigue

Soto will enter free agency next year, which poses a big problem for the Bronx Bombers. They’ll have to trade a valuable player for the Dominican who might not even remain on the team next season. Added to this, his salary is expected to increase to $33 million this season. 

Are the Pinstripes willing to spend such a high amount for a player whose final destination is still not conclusive? Could it be so that the Yankees focus more on Bellinger and wait for Soto’s free agency to arrive in order to make heavy moves on the Padres slugger?

Whatever happens, one thing is clear, the New York Yankees are entering the offseason in mission mode. 

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