The New York Yankees got a clear message on the future of Cody Bellinger with the team.
Bellinger is the top free agent available, and he’s expected to make a decision soon on his future. The Yankees have remained interested in the star hitter, but no deal has gotten done as yet.
However, Yankees insider Randy Miller of NJ.com believes Bellinger returning to the Bronx is a sure thing.
“The Yankees have stood their ground, then waited. They want Bellinger back, but are comfortable their backup plan, which is moving on with second-year talent Jasson Dominguez in left field,” Miller wrote on Wednesday. “The Yankees’ tactic looks like it’s going to work out. Bellinger appears to have one good offer, five years for $160 million from the Yankees.
“With the Mets probably out, the Phillies also likely out, and the Blue Jays seemingly out, Bellinger returning to the Yankees appears to be a sure thing.”
If Bellinger does re-sign, it would be a big move for the Yankees, as he has remained the top priority for the team.
The Mets were the other team interested in Bellinger, but after New York acquired Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday night, it seemingly ruled the team out of the mix.
Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season with the Yankees.
Bellinger Weighing Options in Free Agency
New York has been after Bellinger all offseason, and a deal could happen soon.
On Tuesday evening, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on X that Bellinger is weighing some offers.
“Cody Bellinger is weighing interest from the Yankees, Mets and two others,” Heyman wrote.
Bellinger is the top remaining free agent bat available, and the Yankees’ focus has been on bringing him back.
According to MLB insider Bob Klapisch of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Yankees believe their offer to Bellinger is more than fair.
“Yankees have made an internal decision not to engage in a bidding war for Cody Bellinger if Mets or anyone else swoops in with a blow-away offer. Yankees believe they’ve made a fair proposal – five years, $160 million, two opt-outs. They’re prepared to let Bellinger walk,” Klapisch wrote.
Bellinger is a two-time MLB All-Star and won the NL MVP in 2019.
Yankees is Hopeful to Re-Sign Bellinger
The Yankees traded for Bellinger last offseason, and he fit in well with New York.
With that, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that the team is hopeful to bring him back.
“He was a terrific addition for us last year,” Cashman said. “He played a big role in the amount of success we wound up having. Certainly, we’d love to have him come back to us. We’d be better served if we can retain him.
“But if not, then we’ll have to look at alternative ways to fill it and see where that takes us. It’s pretty early in the process. But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Of course we’d like to have him back.”
There is a clear hole in the Yankees’ lineup without Bellinger, and New York is hoping to re-sign him.
Yankees Get Clear Message on Cody Bellinger As Decision Looms