In the quiet of a losing clubhouse, Austin Wells considered the number of pending free agents whose futures are in the air.
“This is the last time that this group’s going to be in the same room together,” Wells said. “Anytime you have such great veterans and … free agents that felt like a big part of the team, not knowing where they’re going to be next year, that’s tough. Definitely make it a lot harder.”
Fresh off the four-game ALDS loss to the Blue Jays that finished Wednesday in The Bronx, the Yankees will have decisions to make on numerous veterans who can or will reach the open market.
The most valuable might be Cody Bellinger, who likely will opt out of the final year of his pact — but said he would talk to family and agent Scott Boras first — and said he “absolutely” is open to a return to the Yankees.
“I had an unbelievable time putting on this uniform,” Bellinger said. “Yankee Stadium, the fans, the organization, the culture that these guys have created in this locker room. It really is special.”
It is possible Bellinger’s future depends upon the future of Trent Grisham, who is a pending free agent coming off a career year and who could be tagged with a qualifying offer.
Paul Goldschmidt, another pending free agent, said he wants to play a 16th season in MLB.
“I think I’d like to continue playing but haven’t thought about it,” Goldschmidt said. “Expecting to continue to play, still love playing, love to compete. We’ll have to see what happens.
“Thankful for my time here, don’t know what the future holds.”
The Yankees will have choices to make at the back of their bullpen with both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver expected to hit free agency.
Williams, who began miserably and lost his closing job but rebounded and had become relied upon in the postseason, said the team and the city grew on him.
“At first it was a challenge,” said Williams, who arrived in a trade from the small market of Milwaukee. “But I’ve grown to love it here. I love the city. I love taking the train to the field. … I really enjoyed the experience here.”
The 31-year-old said he would be “definitely open” to a return. The Yankees turned Williams into a setup man for closer David Bednar, who is signed for next season.
Williams said the opportunity to be a closer for a team would be “a factor” but just one of many factors.
“Can’t really answer that right now,” Williams said of the importance of closing. “I feel like it depends on the scenario.”
Among the other expected free agents are Amed Rosario, Paul Blackburn, Ryan Yarbrough and Austin Slater.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
