Yankees' Cody Bellinger backup plan just signed as far away from New York as possible

If the New York Yankees had failed to come to an agreement with Cody Bellinger midway through last week after a stressful (then stagnant) winter, they would've had to turn to one of many part-timers on the market to fill a full-time role.

Austin Hays probably would've been the best platoon partner available, but Harrison Bader would've pulled the most heartstrings. After a down 2023 campaign and downward-facing career trajectory, Bader found his mojo last season in Minnesota, and earned himself some money as a post-trade deadline Phillies catalyst. The Yankees were rumored to be in his market as the Bellinger conversations went south, but never had a concrete plan in place for roping him in (which probably required a multi-year commitment).

That premonition became official on Monday, as Bader linked up with the San Francisco Giants on a two-year deal. He'll now patrol the massive gaps of Oracle Park, pushing the sensational Jung Hoo Lee to a corner.

The Yankees will get to see Bader on Opening Day, but not in the way some fans probably expected to just a couple weeks ago. He'll be wearing the home uniform and the excessive eye black.

Yankees target Harrison Bader lands with San Francisco Giants after Cody Bellinger's return

Hays, who wouldn't be a bad bench addition if the Yankees felt like spending some more post-Bellinger money, could probably still be had on the open market.

Bader seemed made for the Bronx (a Bronxville native and Horace Mann High School star, after all), and burst onto the scene with a truly special 2022 postseason when New York needed it most. His 2023 season did not go so well; marred by many distinct injuries, Bader was eventually placed on waivers at the end of August after the Yankees failed to pick a direction at the trade deadline.

He then chose the Mets — whoa, no kidding! — before his value dipped further and he found his footing with the Twins.

Yankee fans have nothing but positive feelings for Bader (probably?), but Bellinger is a more seamless and versatile fit on the current roster and behind Aaron Judge in the lineup. The cost (of what may turn out to be a two-year deal) is exorbitant, but it's also rational. Bader ended up in a better situation instead of falling to the Yankees with the whole fanbase well aware of who they would've preferred.