The New York Yankees could be busy in free agency, but perhaps their No. 1 priority is Cody Bellinger, who opted out of his deal after the season.

The Yankees had to be pleased with the production they got out of Bellinger after acquiring him from the Chicago Cubs last winter. He was a key player all season, and ever since the season ended, Brian Cashman has raved about what he brought to the Yankees. Both sides have welcomed the idea of continuing their partnership.

With the winter meetings starting and free agency ramping up, Cashman once again praised Bellinger.

“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman said on Sunday, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. I think he’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him.”

Cashman also noted on Sunday that he believed the Yankees were too heavy on left-handed hitters. However, Bellinger hits both righties and southpaws well, perhaps making him a player the Yankees are willing to bring back despite his being a left-handed hitter.

The former MVP hit 29 home runs last season. He is one of the best free agents available and could draw plenty of interest from contenders at the winter meetings. However, Cashman’s comments on Bellinger are telling of how the team views him. They may be willing to outbid other suitors to keep him in the Bronx.

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