The New York Yankees are reportedly expressing interest in free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, but recent reports suggest they may have reservations about the former MVP. Bellinger experienced a significant resurgence last season after signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Posting impressive numbers, he achieved a batting average of .307, along with 29 doubles, 26 home runs, and an .881 OPS. Despite finishing 10th in NL MVP voting and earning a Silver Slugger award, concerns about Bellinger's hard-hit rate have emerged among some Yankees insiders.
The worry within the Yankees organization is that Bellinger's high batting average may have been influenced by luck rather than sustained skill, given the correlation between hard-hit balls and a player's ability to consistently produce hits. Bellinger's early career accomplishments include winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and securing the NL MVP title two years later with the Dodgers. His remarkable performance in the latter year featured 47 home runs, a 1.035 OPS, and a Gold Glove.
However, Bellinger's batting average took a sharp decline in the subsequent three years, dropping to .239 in 2020, .165 in 2021, and .210 in 2022. The Yankees, mindful of his hard-hit rate, may be apprehensive about the prospect of a performance drop-off in the upcoming 2024 season and beyond. At 28 years old, Bellinger has demonstrated his ability to elevate a team when in peak form, but he has also shown the potential to negatively impact a team during a downturn.
