The New York Yankees are increasingly preparing for a future without Cody Bellinger, as reports indicate the franchise has identified two high profile alternatives amid a growing stalemate in contract negotiations with the veteran left handed star.

Bellinger was one of the Yankees’ most important acquisitions last season, arriving via trade from the Chicago Cubs after New York failed to retain Juan Soto, who departed for the New York Mets in a stunning division shifting move.

During his lone season in pinstripes, Bellinger quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the roster, providing power, defensive versatility, and stability at a time when the Yankees were reshaping their offensive identity.

Now entering free agency, Bellinger has become one of the most closely watched names on the market, with his negotiations with New York drawing widespread attention across Major League Baseball.

According to ESPN, the Yankees have presented Bellinger with a five year contract valued at approximately 30 million dollars per season, a figure that places him firmly among the league’s top paid position players.

That offer aligns closely with the current market rate for elite power hitters, particularly when compared to recent deals signed by players such as Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber earlier this offseason.

Alonso secured a five year, 155 million dollar agreement with the Baltimore Orioles, while Schwarber finalized a five year, 150 million dollar deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, setting a clear benchmark.

Despite the competitive nature of the Yankees’ proposal, reports indicate that Bellinger is seeking both a longer contract and a higher overall financial commitment.

ESPN further reports that the Yankees are now operating under the assumption that Bellinger will sign elsewhere, suggesting a significant gap remains between the two sides on core contract terms.

If that scenario plays out, New York would be forced to pivot quickly, replacing a player who delivered elite production and defensive flexibility across all three outfield positions.

To that end, the Yankees are believed to have narrowed their contingency plans to two prominent free agents: outfielder Kyle Tucker and infielder Bo Bichette.

Tucker, formerly of the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs, represents a familiar profile as a power hitting outfielder capable of impacting the game on both sides of the ball.

Bichette, who spent his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, offers a different skill set, bringing contact oriented offense and middle infield experience that could reshape the Yankees’ defensive alignment.

Aaron Judge now appears increasingly likely to enter the upcoming season without Bellinger in the lineup, a reality that would significantly alter the Yankees’ offensive and defensive structure.

Bellinger’s potential departure would not only remove a middle of the order bat, but also strip the roster of a rare defensive asset capable of playing left, right, and center field at a high level.

Kyle Tucker is viewed as a direct outfield replacement option should Bellinger depart, though his acquisition would come with its own financial and roster challenges.

Bo Bichette, meanwhile, presents a more complex scenario, as he is a natural shortstop whose arrival would immediately place pressure on incumbent Anthony Volpe.

Volpe managed to retain his role throughout the 2025 season despite committing several high profile defensive errors and struggling offensively for extended stretches.

The addition of Bichette could force the Yankees into difficult decisions regarding Volpe’s long term role, potentially altering the development path of one of their most important young players.

From a pure statistical standpoint, neither Tucker nor Bichette fully replicates Bellinger’s 2025 production.

Tucker finished last season with 22 home runs and 73 runs batted in, while Bichette recorded 18 home runs and 94 RBIs.

Those totals fall short of Bellinger’s 29 home runs and 98 RBIs, numbers that underscore the magnitude of the loss New York would face offensively.

Beyond the box score, Bellinger’s value extended into run prevention, where his ability to seamlessly shift between outfield positions provided managerial flexibility throughout the season.

His defensive excellence allowed the Yankees to manage injuries, rest players strategically, and optimize matchups without sacrificing performance in the field.

In late December, reports emerged that Yankees captain Aaron Judge was privately urging the front office to prioritize retaining Bellinger.

Judge reportedly viewed Bellinger as a critical component of the team’s championship aspirations, both for his on field production and clubhouse presence.

So far, those efforts have not resulted in a breakthrough, adding to the growing frustration among fans and players alike.

The broader context only amplifies the concern, as the Yankees have endured an unusually quiet offseason following their elimination in the American League Division Series by the Toronto Blue Jays.

New York’s early playoff exit exposed roster deficiencies, particularly in offensive consistency and depth, issues that have yet to be meaningfully addressed.

To date, the Yankees’ offseason additions have largely focused on retaining familiar faces rather than acquiring impact talent from outside the organization.

The team has re signed Trent Grisham, Ryan Yarborough, and Amed Rosario, moves aimed at preserving depth rather than transforming the roster.

Earlier this week, the Yankees claimed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers, a modest bullpen reinforcement that did little to shift the overall narrative of inactivity.

ESPN also reports that the Yankees have engaged in trade discussions with multiple teams as they explore alternative ways to upgrade the roster.

Any such trade would likely need to involve a high profile name to soften the blow of losing Bellinger, particularly given the expectations surrounding the franchise.

For an organization accustomed to aggressive spending and star driven lineups, the possibility of losing Bellinger without a comparable replacement has intensified scrutiny of front office decision making.

Financially, the Yankees remain one of baseball’s most powerful franchises, making the current hesitancy all the more puzzling to portions of the fan base.

Still, long term payroll flexibility, aging curves, and previous cautionary contracts may be influencing the team’s approach more than in years past.

From Bellinger’s perspective, this offseason represents a critical opportunity to secure a final long term contract that reflects his peak value and extensive resume.

As a former MVP, multiple time All Star, and postseason tested performer, Bellinger remains confident that the market will reward patience.

If the Yankees ultimately stand firm, another franchise may step in with the years and guarantees he seeks.

For New York, the outcome of this standoff will shape not only the upcoming season but the broader direction of the franchise.

Whether they pivot toward Tucker, gamble on Bichette, or strike a blockbuster trade, the decision will define how the Yankees respond to mounting competitive pressure.

As the hot stove season continues, the Cody Bellinger saga remains unresolved, but its implications grow more significant with each passing day.

One way or another, the Yankees’ next move must deliver clarity, urgency, and ambition if they hope to restore confidence and reclaim their place among baseball’s elite.