The New York Yankees could look much different in 2026 due to their pending free agents.
The top free agent for the Yankees is Cody Bellinger, who had a stellar year in New York. Although Bellinger will have several teams interested in him, his agent Scott Boras seemingly hinted at the Yankees retaining him.
“I think the Yankees are looking to improve, not subtract,” Boras said about Bellinger. “Bellinger’s placement among the outfielders, he now has, particularly after being MVP, has a three-year track record of consistency, power and elite performance.
“All of us who watch him play, the accuracy of his throws, his base running, he’s really a five-tool player, we just don’t find many athletes like that, and then are also proven in every major market.”
It’s an intriguing comment from Boras, who hinted at Bellinger returning to the Yankees. Bellinger going back to New York makes a ton of sense as he remains a middle-of-the-order bat and can play anywhere in the outfield.
Bellinger is a two-time MLB All-Star, and he won the NL MVP in 2019. In his first year with the Yankees, he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season.
Yankees Want Bellinger Back
Bellinger opted out of his guaranteed $25 million salary for the 2026 season in favor of a $5 million buyout to hit free agency in hopes of landing a more lucrative deal.
Before Bellinger opted out of the deal, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made it clear he would like to see the slugger back in the Bronx.
“He was an impact player for us,” Cashman said. “I’m glad we got him. He was one of the many reasons why we were in a position to believe that we were capable of great things this year, and so I thank him for everything he’s done. Certainly, we’d love to have him with our team moving forward.”
Bellinger, meanwhile, said he enjoyed playing for the Yankees and liked the group they had.
“It was a fun group to be a part of,” Bellinger said after the Yankees were eliminated. “We came up short, and that part stinks for sure, because we had a really, really good group here.”
New York was eliminated in the ALDS by the Toronto Blue Jays.
What is Bellinger Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Bellinger is one of the top free agents available, and he should be in line for a lucrative multi-year deal.
ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel predicts Bellinger will sign a six-year, $165 million deal. That works out to $27.5 million per season.
“Bellinger is an average defensive center fielder who is above average in a corner-outfield spot and solid at first base, as well,” McDaniel wrote. “His wide base of skills and versatility give him a high floor. And, the adjustability of changing his offensive approach in the big leagues suggests he’ll age well.
“There aren’t many potential core position players in this class. But Bellinger still being young for a free agent while fitting well at four positions should give him a robust market. I see five or six years here, and I think he’ll clear $150 million.”
Bellinger is the third-ranked free agent, according to ESPN.
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