Yankees Struggle to Re-Sign Cody Bellinger Amid Offseason Uncertainty

Despite a 94-win 2025 season, the New York Yankees ultimately fell short of their goals, losing the American League East pennant on a tiebreaker despite holding the best record in the AL.
The 2025 campaign can only be described as a disappointment given the team’s high expectations following a record 41st World Series appearance in franchise history the previous year.

The Bronx Bombers managed to narrowly defeat the Boston Red Sox in a three-game Wild Card series.
However, New York’s postseason ended abruptly in the Division Series, where they were eliminated in four games by the Toronto Blue Jays, leaving fans and management yearning for more.

It appears the Yankees are just one or two major offseason moves away from being legitimate World Series contenders again.
Yet as the calendar year winds down, the franchise has made virtually no significant moves to reinforce the roster for 2026.

The team’s most notable non-move has been allowing free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger to remain unsigned for more than two months.
Bellinger, who posted a .813 OPS in 2025—tied for third on the team with infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.—has yet to receive a formal offer from New York.

Bringing Bellinger back has been widely reported as a top priority for the Yankees.
MLB.com Yankees correspondent Bryan Hoch noted that the team views the 30-year-old as a strong fit due to his athleticism, versatility, and “blue collar-ish” demeanor, as described by manager Aaron Boone.

However, commitment has been the sticking point for general manager Brian Cashman.
Bellinger’s desired contract length and projected salary appear to be sources of hesitation, despite the Yankees’ interest in a reunion.

Other teams, including the New York Mets, have also expressed interest in signing Bellinger.
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets have been reluctant to offer more than a four-year deal, creating a competitive but uncertain market for the veteran slugger.

Reports indicate that Bellinger, represented by agent Scott Boras, is seeking a seven-year deal.
Such a contract would keep him in New York through his age-37 season, with a Spotrac projection estimating $26 million per year, raising concerns about long-term value for the Yankees.

Bellinger’s performance since his 2019 MVP season has been inconsistent.
While 2025 marked only his second season with an OPS above .800 since 2019, his age and projected decline have likely contributed to the Yankees’ caution.

Insider reports suggest Bellinger could be poised to land a deal exceeding five years.
Predictions for contract length and value vary widely, with ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projecting six years at $180 million, and Alexander Wilson estimating five years at $170 million.

Other projections for Bellinger’s market include a deal similar to Kyle Schwarber’s four-year, $79 million contract with the Phillies.
Spotrac projects a six-year contract worth $183 million, while Jon Heyman reports that Boras believes Bellinger should command even more, highlighting the wide discrepancy between market estimates and player demands.

The Yankees now face a critical offseason decision: meet Bellinger’s asking price or risk losing a versatile, high-impact outfielder.
With the team seeking to remain competitive in the AL East, re-signing Bellinger could be the difference between contention and another disappointing postseason outcome.

For Yankees fans, the ongoing uncertainty is a source of frustration.
The lack of movement on one of the team’s top offseason priorities has left questions about New York’s strategy and willingness to invest in proven talent.

Ultimately, the Bellinger situation underscores the challenges of modern MLB roster management.
Balancing long-term contracts with immediate competitiveness, while navigating free agency and player demands, remains one of the most delicate tasks facing general managers like Cashman.