As the New York Yankees commence their spring training activities, a number of top-tier free agents remain unsigned, including starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery and left-handed outfielder Cody Bellinger. While Montgomery presents a promising option for the Yankees to pursue, Bellinger may not align well with the team’s needs. Let’s delve into why a reunion with Montgomery could be mutually beneficial, while it might be advisable for the Yankees to forego pursuing Bellinger, who could potentially thrive elsewhere.
The Yankees still need to add pitching depth
The Yankees made a prudent decision in bringing Juan Soto on board, though it did require sacrificing a considerable portion of their pitching depth. To mitigate this loss, the team had intended to bolster their ranks by securing the services of international free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto from Japan.
Regrettably for the Yankees, Yamamoto opted to join the Los Angeles Dodgers instead, aligning himself with compatriot Shohei Ohtani. This development dealt a significant blow to the Bombers and leaves a noticeable void in their pitching rotation.
In light of this setback, Montgomery emerges as a compelling option, capable of slotting in as a strong number three or four starter with the potential to perform at a number two level.
Jordan Montgomery has proven he can play in New York
The Yankees have a history of signings that haven’t lived up to expectations, as exemplified by Sonny Gray’s underwhelming tenure in New York. Despite Gray’s All-Star caliber performance elsewhere, his struggles with the Yankees underscore the fact that not every player thrives in the Bronx spotlight. Joey Gallo’s difficulties further illustrate this point.
It’s imperative for the Yankees to ensure that incoming players can handle the intense scrutiny and pressure of New York City. While Montgomery may not possess superstar status, he has demonstrated his ability to thrive in the demanding environment of New York.
This resilience shouldn’t be underestimated. Montgomery’s track record offers a sense of reliability, a known quantity that carries its own value. Brian Cashman should consider this aspect carefully when contemplating a reunion with the left-hander.
Cody Bellinger amplifies the worst elements of the Yankees lineup
Cody Bellinger’s career has been marked by extreme peaks and valleys, reminiscent of another Yankees player, Giancarlo Stanton. Like Stanton, Bellinger exhibits flashes of brilliance where he appears unstoppable and can single-handedly lift his team. However, both players also struggle with consistency and are plagued by significant injury concerns.
Bellinger, much like Stanton, possesses immense talent but also grapples with high strikeout rates and a checkered injury history. When Bellinger is in top form, he can carry a team with his exceptional performance, akin to Stanton’s ability to ignite the offense during hot streaks.
In essence, Bellinger mirrors some of the problematic tendencies seen in Stanton’s game, showcasing the potential for greatness alongside the challenges of maintaining peak performance and durability.
Bellinger is a great player, but an equally poor fit in New York
Absolutely, Cody Bellinger is undeniably a talented player, but his skill set may not align with the needs and dynamics of the New York Yankees. It’s not solely about Bellinger being a poor fit for the Yankees; rather, the Yankees may not be the ideal environment for him to thrive.
Bellinger’s strengths as an elite slugger who can drive in runs might be better suited for a team where his style stands out, rather than being surrounded by numerous players with similar attributes. A roster with too many redundant players, particularly ones sharing Bellinger’s archetype, could hinder overall team performance.
Therefore, it’s crucial for Bellinger to find a team where he can play a complementary role and make a significant impact without being overshadowed by similar players. Finding the right fit is essential for both Bellinger’s success and the success of the team he joins.
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