Yankees predicted to reunite with $80M MVP, World Series champion, 2-time All-Star veteran
The New York Yankees just got some good news during what has been a difficult stretch since the end of the season. This year, the Yankees simply didn’t have it, and their struggles became glaringly obvious during the playoffs. However, there was finally a positive development regarding Aaron Judge’s injury status.
“If Judge had required Tommy John surgery or some other significant elbow operation, that would have had lingering impacts into the 2026 season, though it seems Judge will be expected to be a full-time outfielder again next year. That should allow the Yankees to go into 2026 planning on having Judge in right and Stanton in the DH slot,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Darragh McDonald wrote.
On the downside, versatile veteran Cody Bellinger is expected to opt out of his contract, officially sending him into free agency.
“As expected, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month, a source told ESPN. Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option for next season. After a rebound season in his first year in pinstripes, he presumably will receive widespread interest in free agency -- it should yield a lucrative multi-year contract,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.
The good news for the Yankees is that Bellinger returning on a new deal remains a strong possibility.
“The trade to the Bronx was maybe the best thing to happen to Bellinger, with the slugger hitting 29 home runs and slashing .272/.334/.480 with an .813 OPS. His 5.0 bWAR was the best he’s posted since his MVP season in 2019. He’ll almost surely opt out of his contract to become a free agent where teams will pursue the 30-year-old, but a reunion with the Yankees should remain in play,” FanSided’s Robert Murray wrote.
Re-signing Bellinger would be a major win for the Yankees. He’s proven to be a valuable, versatile player who brings both production and leadership to the clubhouse.
Bellinger is also one of the game’s most selfless and underrated stars. A reunion in the Bronx would be a move that makes sense for both sides.
Reporter makes bold Derrick White prediction for Celtics amid Jaylen Brown’s injury
The Boston Celtics have been the dominant team in the NBA's Eastern Conference, but a major change in the pecking order is likely considering the torn Achilles suffered by Jayson Tatum in last year's playoffs. Tatum is likely going to miss the entire season for the Celtics.
Additionally, fellow superstar forward Jaylen Brown could miss some time in the early part of the season as a result of a hamstring injury. Compared to Tatum, Brown's problem is not a serious injury, but he may not be at his peak when he is able to return to action.
The Celtics, who won the league's title two years ago, still have plenty of talent. Several players may take on new roles this season. Derrick White has been one of the team's most important all-around players because of his defense, passing and clutch long-distance shooting. He may fit into one of the team's scheme as a legitimate go-to scorer.
Celtics reporter Noa Dalzell suggested that White will move comfortably into his new role and will rise above his past scoring levels in the upcoming season. “I wouldn't be surprised if Derrick White's averaging 25 points a game, especially if Jaylen sidelined for the first few games of the season.”
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will be put to the test
Instead of having a dominating roster that regularly jumps all over opponents, the Celtics have to change the way they play the game. They are going to have to depend on hustle and defense if they want to remain a team that can hold its own in the Eastern Conference.
Once Brown is healthy, they should bare some resemblance to past Celtics teams, but players like White, Payton Pritchard and Anfernee Simons are going to have to make significant contributions or the team could sink like a stone.
Mazzulla is going to have to define new roles for all of his players and he is going to have to ensure his players understand and can follow the team's new game plan.
