NEW YORK — The New York Yankees may be quiet so far in the offseason, but sources indicate that the team is preparing to make a big splash in free agency, starting with former National League MVP Cody Bellinger.

According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees have submitted a formal contract offer to Bellinger this week, signaling their intent to retain one of their most productive players from the 2025 season.

Bellinger, who debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, quickly made a name for himself as one of baseball’s premier young talents, earning Rookie of the Year honors after hitting 39 home runs in his debut campaign.

By 2019, Bellinger had reached the pinnacle of National League performance, claiming MVP honors after a season featuring 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, establishing himself as one of the elite sluggers in the game.

However, injuries began to take their toll on Bellinger’s career from 2020 through 2022, limiting his playing time and prompting the Dodgers to non-tender him following that period of physical setbacks.

Despite the injury struggles, Bellinger proved his resilience, reviving his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2023 and 2024, earning National League Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2023 for his remarkable return to form.

The Yankees acquired Bellinger in December 2024 in a trade that sent him to the Bronx, where he quickly became an integral part of the lineup and provided both power and defensive versatility.

During the 2025 season, Bellinger delivered solid numbers across 152 games, hitting .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and adding 13 stolen bases, while posting a 5.1 WAR, highlighting his all-around value to the Yankees.

Primarily playing in the outfield, Bellinger’s performance earned him All-MLB Second Team honors, underscoring his continued ability to contribute at a high level despite past injury concerns.

The Yankees’ reported contract offer demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive roster and retaining players who can impact the team’s lineup both offensively and defensively.

Bellinger’s combination of power, speed, and defensive ability makes him a key piece for New York as the team aims to compete in the increasingly tough American League East, where rivals have been aggressive in the offseason.

While the Yankees have been relatively quiet compared to division rivals such as the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, their pursuit of Bellinger could signal the beginning of a more active period of roster construction.

Adding Bellinger long-term would provide stability in the outfield, as the Yankees aim to maintain a balance between youth and veteran experience while keeping payroll flexibility for other potential acquisitions.

Bellinger’s career trajectory illustrates both peak performance and resilience, having overcome multiple seasons of injury to return to All-Star-level play, which increases his value as both a player and a clubhouse leader.

New York’s interest in retaining Bellinger aligns with their broader strategy of combining high-upside talent with experienced veterans to create a team capable of contending for a World Series title.

The reported contract offer could also serve as a statement to other free agents, signaling that the Yankees are willing to invest in proven talent and prioritize roster continuity amid a competitive offseason.

For Bellinger, remaining in New York would provide stability and a familiar environment, allowing him to continue building on a strong 2025 season while contributing to a team with championship aspirations.

His presence in the outfield complements other core Yankees players, ensuring balance in both offense and defense while maintaining flexibility to adapt to injuries, matchups, and in-game strategies.

While exact terms of the offer have not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest that the Yankees are prepared to provide a competitive package, potentially positioning Bellinger among the top free-agent signings of the offseason if the deal is finalized.

Retention of Bellinger also alleviates pressure to pursue alternative free-agent outfielders, as he has already demonstrated the ability to perform consistently in Yankee Stadium and against American League competition.

As the offseason progresses, the Yankees’ front office will likely use Bellinger’s potential signing as a springboard for other moves, including infield upgrades, pitching acquisitions, or supplemental outfield additions.

Given his prior MVP credentials, Bellinger’s role in the Yankees lineup is expected to be both central and high-profile, providing leadership and production as the team prepares for a long season in the AL East.

Bellinger’s versatility extends beyond the outfield, as he can occasionally contribute at other positions if needed, giving the Yankees additional flexibility in managing games, rotations, and injuries over the course of the season.

For fans, the potential re-signing of Bellinger offers reassurance that the Yankees are committed to retaining key contributors and maintaining continuity within a core group of performers who have demonstrated success in New York.

Ultimately, the reported offer is just the beginning of a critical offseason for the Yankees, with Bellinger’s decision likely to influence subsequent roster moves and strategy heading into 2026.

Should Bellinger accept the offer, it would represent a continuation of a successful partnership between player and team, allowing the Yankees to focus on complementary acquisitions while maintaining stability in the lineup.

If negotiations extend, it could create uncertainty, but Bellinger’s strong relationship with the organization and past performance suggest that a mutually beneficial deal remains highly likely.

Regardless of outcome, the Yankees’ formal offer indicates their willingness to act decisively in retaining elite talent, a signal to both the league and their fanbase that they intend to remain competitive in 2026 and beyond.

As the AL East continues to strengthen, Bellinger’s role in the Yankees’ plan becomes even more critical, providing both offensive firepower and defensive reliability against some of baseball’s top teams.

New York’s pursuit of Bellinger also illustrates a broader theme in the offseason: leveraging proven talent to maintain competitiveness while balancing payroll, positional flexibility, and long-term planning.

With the Yankees’ attention now focused on Bellinger, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the team’s direction, potential additional moves, and overall strategy for the upcoming season.

Industry insiders and fans alike will be closely watching negotiations, as Bellinger’s decision will likely shape both the Yankees’ roster and their positioning in the highly competitive American League East.

In summary, the Yankees’ reported contract offer to Cody Bellinger underscores the team’s commitment to retaining elite talent, maintaining roster stability, and strategically positioning themselves for a competitive 2026 campaign in one of MLB’s toughest divisions.