Cody Bellinger: Not Replacing 'Generational Talent' Juan Soto After Yankees Contract

New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is among the team's new offseason additions after outfielder Juan Soto left the Bronx Bombers for the New York Mets on a 15-year, $765 million contract.

When asked during a Tuesday press conference about how he feels arriving in town alongside new first baseman Paul Goldschmidt after Soto's departure, Bellinger made clear that their intent is to perform to their potential, not necessarily replace a "generational talent."

The 26-year-old Soto, a four-time All-Star, is one of the game's brightest offensive stars. In seven years, Soto has hit .285 (.953 OPS) with 201 home runs, 592 RBI and a 160 OPS+. The five-time Silver Slugger also just finished third in the American League MVP race.

Naturally, he's impossible to replace in any lineup, although the Yankees launched a solid Plan B on paper after Soto made his decision.

Most notably, New York added starting pitcher Max Fried and Goldschmidt via free agency and acquired Bellinger and closer Devin Williams in trades with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, respectively.

Bellinger will play center field, bumping Aaron Judge to right field, Soto's old spot. The 29-year-old isn't going to replace Soto's pop, but he's a better defender and a solid hitter in his own right, posting a .266 average (.751 OPS) with 18 homers and 78 RBI last season.

While it's certainly understood that he and Goldschmidt aren't going to replace Soto's numbers, there might be pressure for them to produce early on anyway, with designated hitter and power hitter Giancarlo Stanton's Opening Day status in doubt as he deals with pain and discomfort in both elbows.

In the meantime, spring training is underway in Tampa Bay as the defending AL pennant winners look toward Opening Day on March 27 at home versus the Milwaukee Brewers.