Yankees and Cody Bellinger’s Free Agency Talks Heat Up: What’s Behind the Standoff?

Here’s the freshest scoop and chatter swirling around free-agent outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger, and what lies ahead regarding his potential return to New York with either the Yankees or the Mets…

So here’s the deal: talks between the Yankees and Bellinger stretched over the weekend, yet a pretty noticeable divide lingers on what the team’s putting on the table versus what Bellinger’s camp has in mind, according to Jon Heyman over at The New York Post. It’s a negotiation standoff in full swing – ESPN’s Buster Olney described the situation as an “impasse.” The Yankees are dangling a five-year contract worth around $150 million, but Bellinger’s holding out for a seven-year commitment. The back-and-forth continues as both sides explore creative ways to bridge that gap.

Now, it’s not just the Bronx Bombers in the mix. The Mets and Dodgers have been thrown into the speculation blender, eyeing Bellinger’s unique versatility – his ability to play all three outfield spots and first base sets him apart from others. Meanwhile, the Yankees are also keeping an eye on other free agents like Kyle Tucker, though reports have him more on the periphery of their plans. Tucker’s most closely linked with Blue Jays, Mets, and Dodgers at this point. But here’s the rub – if Bellinger walks, the Yankees are ready to pivot hard toward alternative targets such as Tucker and Bo Bichette, shuffling their roster and keeping multiple doors open, including trade possibilities.

Bellinger showed he was a sizable asset in his debut Bronx campaign – with 29 homers, 98 RBIs, and a tidy .272 batting average, his performance turned heads. Yankees’ captain Aaron Judge is reportedly a strong advocate for locking Bellinger down long-term, which isn’t surprising given how much depth and flexibility he provides the squad. That said, it remains a complex chess game with contract length and financial terms at the heart of this ongoing negotiation saga. Time will tell if this star stays in pinstripes or heads elsewhere as the offseason heat continues to simmer.

LEARN MORE

Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding free agent outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and his chances of returning to New York with the Yankees or Mets…

Jan. 12, 2:34 p.m.

The Yankees and Bellinger “spoke through the weekend,” though a gap remains regarding what New York is offering and what Bellinger desires, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

It was reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney on Saturday that talks between Bellinger and the Yankees were at an “impasse.”

According to multiple reports, the Yanks offered Bellinger a five-year contract worth roughly $150 million, while Bellinger is seeking a seven-year deal.

Heyman reports that the parties are “trying to find new ways around the gap over term.”

In addition to the Yankees, the Mets and Dodgers have been linked to Bellinger.

Heyman reports that free agent Kyle Tucker is among the alternatives the Yanks are considering, while noting that they’re “on the periphery.” The three teams most seriously linked to Tucker have been the Blue Jays, Mets, and Dodgers.

Jan. 10, 6:33 p.m.

Contract negotiations between the Yankees and Bellinger are currently described as at an impasse and New York is reportedly now operating under the assumption that the outfielder is going to sign somewhere else, reports ESPN’s Buster Olney.

The Yanks’ latest offer to Bellinger of a five-year deal for at least $30 million per year remains far off from what Bellinger and his camp, including his agent Scott Boras, are looking for which is reportedly a seven-year contract with an AAV of more than $30 million.

With both sides unable to reach an agreement, Olney reports that New York is now seeking additions elsewhere and barring a shift in the negotiations, Bellinger’s tenure with the Yankees is likely over.

New York can shift their focus to other possible targets such as Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, both of whom have been on the Yankees’ radar this offseason and who have remained in conversations with the organization during the Bellinger negotiations.

The Yankees also continue to engage other teams in trade possibilities.

Jan. 8, 9:02 p.m.

Although there’s a gap between Bellinger and the Yankees, the latest report shines a light on how far New York is willing to go with the outfielder.

According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, the Yankees’ latest multi-year deal had an average annual value of more than $30 million a year. However, the report states Bellingers’ camp continues to push for a seven-year contract.

If Bellinger accepted the $30 million-plus AAV deal, it would have him as the fifth-highest-paid outfielder in baseball. Juan Soto ($51 million), Aaron Judge ($40 million), Mike Trout ($35.5 million) and Mookie Betts ($30.4 million) are the others.

The 30-year-old outfielder/first baseman had a great season in his first year in The Bronx, and the Yankees have made re-signing Bellinger a priority this offseason.

Other teams linked to Bellinger this offseason include the Cubs, Dodgers and Mets.

Jan. 6, 1:13 p.m.

There is “clearly a gap” between Bellinger and the Yankees, Jack Curry of YES reported on Monday during an appearance on Yankees Hot Stove.

According to multiple reports, Bellinger has been seeking a six- or seven-year contract.

In addition to the Yankees, the Mets have been heavily linked to Bellinger.

Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield spots and first base is appealing, and sets him apart from fellow free agent Kyle Tucker.

However, Bellinger’s career OPS+ of 120 is dwarfed by Tucker’s career OPS+ of 140.

When it comes to the last three seasons, Tucker has an .892 OPS (150 OPS+), while Bellinger’s is .815 (125 OPS+).

Jan. 4, 7:09 p.m.

After making a formal offer to the outfielder earlier this week, the Yankees have reportedly made a second offer to the 30-year-old, per NY Post’s Joel Sherman.

The offer comes on the heels of the news that New York is eying starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in a possible trade with the Miami Marlins, which connects to the Yankees’ offer to Bellinger because if he were to stay in New York he would likely play left field, alongside Aaron Judge in right and Trent Grisham in center.

With that outfield configuration, the Yanks could afford trading away a player like OF Jasson Dominguez to a team, like the Marlins, for a different area of need such as starting pitching, although Sherman writes that that is merely speculation.

However, it does help that both teams have been trade partners in the past which shows a willingness on both sides to get a potential deal done.

Jan. 2, 5:22 p.m.

As the offseason continues, it seems the Yankees have formally made an offer to Bellinger earlier this week, per the NY Post’s Jon Heyman.

It’s no surprise the Yankees did so, as Bellinger is the team’s No. 1 target this offseason, but Heyman added that with both sides in a weekslong standoff, the Mets can’t be ruled out.

Other teams linked to Bellinger are the Dodgers, where the outfielder started his career, and the Giants. Heyman also adds the Blue Jays as a potential landing spot if Toronto does not land Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.

Dec. 26, 9:50 a.m.

While the holiday season has lowered the hot stove temperature, it appears the Yankees’ hopes of re-signing Cody Bellinger remain high enough.

A reunion with the star outfielder is still a priority in the Bronx, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, and the club feels “pretty confident” he won’t move boroughs for a deal over in Queens.

The pursuit of Bellinger is also endorsed by the Yankees’ captain. Heyman reports Aaron Judge is “a big advocate” for a long-term commitment with the former MVP, who hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI as a one-year rental in pinstripes last season.

It’s unclear when Bellinger will take himself off the free-agent market, but with high demand from championship contenders, some projections have him earning around $30 million annually on a six-year contract. The Yankees may have to sweeten the pot in order to convince him to stay.

Dec. 14, 7:35 p.m.

While reports indicated that the San Francisco Giants “do not anticipate making the nine-figure investment” required to sign free agents this offseason, they aren’t checked out of the marketplace altogether.

The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported recently that the Giants “have checked in on” Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ No. 1 target.

Bellinger proved to be a big part of the Yanks’ last season, contributing well on both sides of the ball with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line for an .813 OPS (125 OPS+ and wRC+) while ranking in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (seven) and with 12 defensive runs saved.

Dec. 4, 11:42 a.m.

While other suitors are certainly in the mix, Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ No. 1 target, and the club is making a “big effort” to bring him back, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Heyman lists the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers as other possibilities.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan has previously reported that signing Bellinger would be a “multipart move” for the Yankees, as the club would almost certainly need to move one of their other outfield pieces –potentially Jasson Dominguez or up-and-coming prospect Spencer Jones.

With Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer, the Yanks would have a surplus of outfielders if Bellinger was to re-sign.