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LAS VEGAS — For the Yankees, the smoothest path to a successful offseason begins with Cody Bellinger re-signing with the team. This move could set the stage for other strategic decisions, reducing the complexity of the offseason maneuvering that would otherwise be needed.
Should Bellinger choose not to return to the Bronx, the Yankees could face a more challenging scenario. Bellinger’s presence does more than just secure an outfield position—likely center field if Trent Grisham opts out of the $22.025 million qualifying offer, or left field if he decides to stay. His left-handed bat provides a reliable offensive threat, offering much-needed protection behind Aaron Judge, a role he filled admirably throughout the past season.
Without Bellinger, the Yankees might consider moving Ben Rice into that protective role, although Aaron Boone frequently positioned him ahead of Judge in the batting order. Regardless of how they adjust, the lineup risks losing its depth without another significant acquisition to bolster the team’s strength.
Bellinger does not just fill an outfield spot — likely center field if Trent Grisham declines the $22.025 million qualifying offer and signs elsewhere, or left field if he accepts it — but the left-handed hitter offers a legitimate threat to provide protection behind Aaron Judge, as he did for most of this season.
The Yankees could bump Ben Rice into that role, though Aaron Boone often had him hitting in front of Judge, and either way, their lineup would not be nearly as deep without another big-time acquisition.
Because if the Yankees are not able to bring back Bellinger — The Post’s Jon Heyman has projected a six-year, $180 million contract for the 30-year-old — that likely means they would be out of the running for Kyle Tucker, as well, the top free agent position player who is expected to land a deal north of Judge’s $360 million contract.
And beyond Tucker and Bellinger, the free agent market is not exactly overflowing with difference-making outfielders.
Next in line would be Grisham, who may or may not accept the qualifying offer coming off a breakout season, and then Harrison Bader, who has already had one so-so go-around in The Bronx.
There is always the trade market as well, but that gets more complicated.
Would missing out on Bellinger (and Grisham declining the offer) convince the Yankees to go the youth route, giving Jasson Domínguez another shot at an everyday left field role and Spencer Jones a potential path to making the team as its center fielder out of spring training?
That scenario would be banking an awful lot on hope and potential — and come with a fair share of growing pains, as the likes of Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells have reminded — perhaps too much so for a team running out of time to capitalize on Judge’s prime.
The safer route would likely involve signing a proven center fielder like Bader, a right-handed hitting one at that.
The Bronxville native is known more for his glove but is coming off one of the best seasons of his career in which he hit .277 with a career-high 117 OPS-plus across 146 games between the Twins and Phillies.
The 31-year-old was well-liked in his time with the Yankees but also has an injury history despite staying mostly healthy the last two seasons.
The next-best free agent center fielder would either be former Oriole Cedric Mullins, coming off the worst year of his career, or Mike Yastrzemski, the 35-year-old who may be better-suited for a corner.
One option that does not appear to be in consideration is moving Domínguez back to center field.
Aaron Boone said last month that the focus was on keeping Domínguez in left field, which is where he is expected to play with Escogido in the Dominican Winter League, having arrived there this weekend and likely to start playing games soon.
When he does, the 22-year-old is also expected to get a heavy dose of right-handed at-bats, trying to improve his weaker side.
The advantage of bringing Bellinger back is his defensive versatility, which keeps the Yankees’ options open.
If Grisham accepts the qualifying offer, Bellinger could play left field or first base.
If Grisham declines the offer, Bellinger can be the regular center fielder.
If Jones comes to camp and shows he could legitimately threaten for a job, the Yankees can move Bellinger all around while still keeping his bat in the lineup on an everyday basis.
But that is also what makes Bellinger, a Scott Boras client, attractive to other teams.
His suitors could include the Dodgers, his former team, along with the Mets and Phillies (if they cannot bring back Kyle Schwarber), among others.
The groundwork for what it will take to bring back Bellinger could begin this week here at the general managers meetings, but for the Yankees, the work may be even heavier if a reunion is not in the cards.