The pursuit of Cody Bellinger by the New York Yankees is far from over and remains the team’s top priority, but the belief that a major announcement is imminent may be premature, according to the latest reports.
While the Yankees are “actively courting” Bellinger and are making a “big effort” to bring him back, recent insider reports suggest a significant gap remains in contract negotiations.
The Current Sticking Point: Not Close on Terms
- The Gap: MLB insider Robert Murray reported that the Yankees and Bellinger are “not close” to a new contract. Jon Heyman previously reported a “gap on years” permeating the negotiations, indicating the sides are far apart on the length and total value of the deal.
- The Price: Bellinger is projected to land a multi-year deal worth north of $\text{\$180 million}$ to $\text{\$200 million}$. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has recently stated it would be “ideal” to lower payroll for the 2026 season, suggesting the club may be hesitant to meet the top of Bellinger’s market demands.
- The Competition: The Yankees are not alone. The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are all reportedly among the “big-market teams actively courting” the former MVP, which drives his price up considerably.
Why The Yankees Remain Aggressive
Despite the financial hurdles, the Yankees are aggressively chasing Bellinger for the exact reasons stated: he is a true game-changer:
| Feature | Impact on Yankees Roster |
| Versatility | Capable of playing all three outfield spots (including center field) and spelling Freddie Freeman at first base, solving the Yankees’ perpetual “where-to-put-everyone” problem. |
| Star Quality | Posted 29 home runs and a $\text{125 OPS+}$ for the Yankees in 2025, providing a crucial left-handed bat to break up the dominant right-handed power of Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham. |
| Ballpark Fit | His swing profile (left-handed, pull-heavy fly balls) is ideally suited for the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium, where his home run totals are projected to increase. |
The Timeline: Waiting on Kyle Tucker
The final decision is likely not imminent because Bellinger’s market is reportedly tied to the trade status of Kyle Tucker (who was recently traded to the Cubs). Analysts believe Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, will wait for Tucker’s market to resolve before signing, as the teams that lose out on Tucker will intensify their pursuit of Bellinger, dramatically increasing his leverage and price.
A major announcement is unlikely until after this domino falls.
