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By Shaun McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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When superstar Juan Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets last Winter, the New York Yankees had to pivot, trading for former National League Most Valuable Player Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger, 30, was everything the Yankees had hoped for this season and more in replacing Soto. The two-time All-Star slashed .272/.334/.813 for New York, mashing 29 home runs with 98 RBIs in 152 games played. Bellinger also led all left-handed batters in the league with a .415 on-base percentage and .601 slugging percentage against lefty pitchers.
The Yankees have a decision to make this offseason, as Bellinger's three-year, $80 million contract included a player option, which the 30-year-old is reportedly opting out of, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo..
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"As expected, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month, a source told ESPN," Castillo wrote Friday. "The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December. For the Cubs, he was a salary dump days after they acquired Kyle Tucker.
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"For the Yankees, he was part of the swift pivot from Juan Soto. In the end, the 2019 NL MVP ended up being their second-most valuable player. He was also one of the sport's top defenders: Bellinger accumulated seven Outs Above Average and eight Defensive Runs Saved between the three outfield positions and first base."
After a resurgent past few seasons, it makes sense that Bellinger would opt out of his contract to cash in on his high level of play to get a long-term contract. Now the Yankees have a decision to make. Behind superstar Aaron Judge, Bellinger was clearly their best player. Though it may be expensive, the Yankees should not let the 30-year-old walk this offseason.
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