By Drew VonScioShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe New York Yankees appear set running it back with the same outfield group next season.
Aaron Judge is still under contract, and Trent Grisham is returning on a one-year deal as a result of accepting a qualifying offer. However, the Yankees want to bring back another outfielder that was a major part of their plan last season in Cody Bellinger.
Even though Bellinger is the organization's main priority with rounding out the outfield, MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting that the two sides aren't close to a deal that would allow Bellinger to come back to the Bronx.
..."I don't think there's any question that Bellinger is their number one guy, there is a gap right now in the talks," Heyman said on Bleacher Report. "So that is not anything that appears to be closed. Of course, all these situations are fluid, you never know, but Bellinger, they feel is the fit. He obviously took to Yankee Stadium after struggling a bit his second year in Wrigley."
Bellinger staying with the Yankees would be a major step in the right direction for the organization as he is very familiar with the team and the clubhouse culture. On the other hand, if there is a sizable gap between Bellinger's value of himself and how the Yankees value him, that could give other teams an opportunity to step in.
ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel believes Bellinger will sign a six-year contract worth $165 million which would pay him approximately $27.5 million per year. If the Yankees want to retain Bellinger and really believe he is the best outfielder available, they will need to treat him that way and pay up to ensure he doesn't leave.
More MLB: Red Sox Tabbed Perfect Match for Mets Slugger Pete Alonso
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