Yankees 'checked in' on Gold Glove free agent amid Cody Bellinger doubt

The New York Yankees have reportedly made a five-year, $160 million offer with two opt-outs to Cody Bellinger, but he remains unsigned, and the Yankees will not get into a bidding war for him. The Yankees believe their offer to Bellinger is fair, per Yankees insider Bob Klapisch. According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Bellinger is weighing offers from multiple teams. While the Yankees wait around to see if he picks them, they have been doing their homework on backup plans. According to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner, the Yankees have "checked in" on Harrison Bader. Bader had a career year at the plate last season. He slashed .277/.347/.449 in 146 games between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. He set a new career high in OPS, .796, and home runs, 17. He played 70 games in left field last season, and could slot in there for the Yankees if Bellinger leaves. If Bellinger chooses a new team, the Yankees outfield would currently figure to have Aaron Judge in right field, Trent Grisham in center field and Jasson Domínguez in left field. Domínguez's defense is a concern, and he is still a young player, having played just 502 games across all levels. Last season, he slashed .257/.331/.388 in 123 games, but really struggled against lefties. The switch-hitter slashed .204/.279/.290 against southpaws. Bader has a .760 OPS against lefties in his career, but was better against right-handed pitching last season. Bader is a far superior defender to Domínguez, however. He has won a Gold Glove in center field and could be a great addition to the Yankees. He and Domínguez could share time in left field, and he may not be too expensive. He would certainly be cheaper than Bellinger. More MLB: What Luis Robert Jr. Trade Means For Blue Jays’ Cody Bellinger Pursuit