Yankees' Bid to Retain Cody Bellinger Unveiled
Yankees’ Efforts to Re-Sign Cody Bellinger Face Major Hurdles
As the MLB offseason progresses, the New York Yankees have been actively working to re-sign star outfielder Cody Bellinger. However, their efforts have not gone as planned, and the situation remains uncertain.
Bellinger was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last season and delivered a standout 2025 campaign. Despite his strong performance, the Yankees are now facing challenges in securing his return. At this point, Bellinger is still a free agent, and there are conflicting opinions about where he will end up. Some believe he might still sign with the Yankees, while others anticipate that another team could make a move for him.
A recent update from ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney has cast doubt on the Yankees' chances of bringing Bellinger back. According to Foul Territory on X, the Yankees are “operating under the assumption that Cody Bellinger will sign elsewhere.” This news is disheartening for fans, though it’s not yet the final word on the matter.
A Competitive Market for Bellinger
The Yankees are not the only team interested in Bellinger. Several other franchises are also vying for his services. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants are among the potential suitors. The Chicago Cubs, who originally traded Bellinger, were once interested but are likely out of the picture after signing Alex Bregman.
Other teams, such as the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, could also enter the fray if their own free-agent pursuits fall through. For instance, if the Blue Jays fail to sign Kyle Tucker, they might consider making a late move for Bellinger. Similarly, the Red Sox could explore options if other targets become unavailable.
Contract Negotiations Remain a Challenge
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported that the Yankees have made a significant offer to Bellinger. Their latest proposal included a multi-year contract with an average annual value exceeding $30 million. However, Bellinger’s camp has been pushing for a seven-year deal, which has created a gap in negotiations.
This discrepancy in contract terms is one of the main reasons why the Yankees have struggled to finalize a deal. If they want to bring Bellinger back, they may need to be more aggressive with their offers and demonstrate a stronger commitment to his long-term future with the team.
The Impact of Losing Bellinger
Bellinger’s contributions during the 2025 season were substantial. He played in 152 games, hitting 29 home runs, driving in 98 RBI, and maintaining a .272/.334/.480 batting line. His presence in the lineup would be a significant loss for the Yankees, especially as they aim to remain competitive in the World Series race.
In addition to Bellinger, the Yankees have been exploring other potential options. Players like Tucker and Bo Bichette have been mentioned as possible replacements. More recently, Pat Ragazzo reported that the Yankees are showing interest in acquiring second baseman Nico Hoerner from the Cubs, who could become available with the arrival of Alex Bregman.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
With Bellinger’s future still uncertain, the Yankees will need to make additional moves if they want to maintain their status as a top contender. Rumors surrounding potential trades and signings are expected to continue in the coming days.
While hope remains for Bellinger to return, the current market suggests that he may end up elsewhere. The Yankees will need to act quickly and decisively if they want to keep their star outfielder and maintain their competitive edge.
