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By Shaun McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees have a major decision to make about who to pursue in free agency this offseason.
The Yankees had arguably the best offense in baseball, leading the league in home runs and total runs scored. Behind Aaron Judge, outfielder Cody Bellinger was the team's most consistent presence in the lineup. The 30-year-old is a two-time All-Star and is set to test free agency after opting out of his contract.
Despite Bellinger opting out of his contract, a reunion between the 30-year-old slugger and New York is still possible. MLB.com's Brian Murphy urged the Yankees to prioritize Bellinger over Chicago Cubs superstar Kyle Tucker in free agency.
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"Trent Grisham's acceptance of the qualifying offer solidifies two of the three outfield spots and releases some of the pressure the Yankees might have felt to acquire another outfielder this winter," Murphy wrote Thursday. "But a reunion with Bellinger just makes so much sense. However, Bellinger's athleticism and versatility are just as important, if not more so, than his bat for the Yankees.
"His ability to play all three outfield positions as well as first base gives the Yanks that much more flexibility. With him back in the fold, New York can keep Aaron Judge in right field and let Bellinger and Grisham handle the duties in center. That's a key reason why Bellinger is a better fit than Kyle Tucker, the offseason's No. 1 free agent. Yes, the Yankees will kick the tires on Tucker, who is 18 months younger than Bellinger. But he is limited to a corner-outfield spot. Plus, his price tag is likely to be much higher."
Bellinger excelled in his first season with the Yankees, slashing .272/.334/.480 this season with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. Yankee Stadium served as a perfect home field for Bellinger, and a reunion with New York could be the ideal move for both sides this offseason.
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