The Yankees have signed a veteran left-handed hitter who hit 25 home runs in a single season, potentially paving the way as an alternative to Bellinger.

Negotiations between the New York Yankees and star outfielder Cody Bellinger have stalled. Without locking him in on a five-year contract worth up to $160 million (with two opt-out clauses), the team’s ability to improve through free agency will be greatly restricted. As top players like Kyle Tucker finalize their destinations, the remaining choices might only include players of Austin Hays’ caliber or lower. Against this backdrop, the Yankees today signed former Athletics outfielder Seth Brown to a minor league deal.

Now 33 years old, Brown is a left-handed utility player capable of covering both outfield and first base, serving a similar role to the team’s left-handed hitter Ben Rice. He has seven years of major league experience, all with the Athletics, but last season marked a career low, appearing in only 38 games before being released, hitting just .185 with 23 strikeouts in 65 plate appearances and only one home run. Over his career, he has totaled 74 home runs, including seasons of 20 and 25 homers in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

According to Yanks Go Yard, the Yankees showed interest in trading for Brown five years ago when their left-handed hitting was lacking, and Brown was at his peak, making him a suitable candidate. However, the team’s current left-handed outfield depth is now saturated, posing new tactical challenges.

Although re-signing Bellinger remains the Yankees’ top priority this offseason, their cautious approach in salary negotiations might cause them to lose out again to their cross-town rivals, the Mets. If they repeat last year’s failure to acquire Juan Soto, the front office could face increased public criticism. Besides Brown, the Yankees have recently signed infielders Paul DeJong and Zack Short, both with major league experience, on minor league deals, but these additions clearly fall short of fully compensating for the potential offensive gap left by Bellinger’s departure.