ORLANDO, Fla. — The New York Yankees are adopting a proactive approach this offseason, focusing on improving their team composition without waiting for a single player’s decision to dictate their strategy. Last year, the organization found itself in a holding pattern due to uncertainty surrounding Juan Soto’s situation. This time around, General Manager Brian Cashman is prioritizing the retention of outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Cashman confirmed that he had spoken with Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, over the weekend, emphasizing the value Bellinger brought to the team in the previous season. “He was an impactful player for us last year, and we’d love to have him back,” Cashman stated. While he refrained from confirming any formal offers, it’s clear that retaining Bellinger is a priority for the Yankees.
However, bringing Bellinger back poses a challenge regarding the team’s lineup dynamics. Should he return, the Yankees would skew left-handed, with up to six of their nine projected Opening Day starters being left-handed hitters. This could exacerbate a notable imbalance, as last season, the Yankees recorded the second-fewest plate appearances by right-handed hitters against left-handed pitchers across MLB.
To address these lineup concerns, Cashman acknowledged the importance of the platoon advantage, a strategy effectively utilized by teams like the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees excelled when they achieved such advantages last season, showcasing a 127 wRC+, which marked one of the highest performance levels across the league.
As they navigate the free agency landscape, the Yankees are eyeing right-handed hitters but face challenges since the top names such as Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Pete Alonso play positions currently occupied by Yankees’ players. This leads Cashman to consider potential trades to bolster their right-handed hitting options.
Among the possible trade candidates are St. Louis Cardinals’ Wilson Contreras, known for his impressive wRC+ last season, and Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte. However, the trade landscape appears limited, especially with key players like Minnesota’s Byron Buxton likely remaining with their teams.
Cashman is also evaluating his roster for potential trade assets, including J.C. Escarra, an elite defensive catcher with power at the plate. While he has a solid batting record, Cashman insists that the team will not acquire a right-handed power hitter simply for the sake of adding another righty.
The Yankees’ struggle with roster balance is significant, particularly as many players, including talented second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., are left-handed hitters. Although Chisholm has been a positive addition, showcasing notable skills with a 30-30 season, it is evident that if the Yankees wish to strengthen their overall composition, they will need to actively seek solutions through both free agency and trades.
As the Winter Meetings progress, the Yankees’ front office remains open-minded, aiming to find strategic ways to correct their roster imbalance while retaining their core talent. The commitment to improvement signifies an optimistic future as the team gears up for the upcoming season.