2019 NL MVP Re-Signs with the Yankees
New York Yankees fans have been waiting for a big move by the organization this entire offseason. This team has missed out on notable names such as Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, and with all the Minor League players they’ve signed over the past several months, the Yankees’ future looked hopeless. It was announced by Jeff Passan of ESPN that Cody Bellinger has re-signed with New York on a five-year, $162.5 million deal. This comes after months of fans waiting for this re-signing to take place. With Spring Training vastly approaching, the Yankees can feel a bit at ease re-signing the 2019 NL MVP. However, with their AL East rivals stacking their needs and looking competitive, it’s going to be tough for New York in a loaded AL East Division.
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. In Los Angeles, the 30-year-old became the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year, the 2019 NL MVP, and a two-time all-star in 2017 and 2019. In addition to winning two Silver Slugger Awards in 2019 and 2023, and a Gold Glove. Most importantly, the 2019 NL MVP helped the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series in six games against the Tampa Bay Rays. After 2022, the Dodgers let Bellinger become a free agent. He signed with the Chicago Cubs, where his 26 home runs and 97 RBIs would lead him to become the 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year. After two seasons in Chicago, the Cubs traded the 30-year-old to the Yankees in exchange for Cody Poteet. This past season, Bellinger and the Yankees were eliminated in the AL Divisional Series by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Last season in 152 games played, Bellinger recorded 160 hits, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs. He batted .272, with a .480 slugging percentage. The Yankees and Bellinger wanted a reunion, and now with the former MVP back in pinstripes, he provides a big bat and depth in both the outfield and at first base, making him a versatile defensive piece. New York has had World Series dreams since 2009, and bringing Bellinger back into the fold gets the Bronx Bombers a step closer to achieving that goal.
