The Cody Bellinger sweepstakes are one of the biggest storylines across MLB as the hot stove season continues. Bellinger is one of baseball’s top free agents remaining, and the New York Yankees have steadily been linked to re-signing him. On Saturday, a recent report indicated that the Yankees are not close with Bellinger on a potential deal, and may even be out on the two-time All-Star outfielder.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Yankees’ negotiations with Cody Bellinger are at an ‘impasse,’ and the team believes he will sign elsewhere, which would obviously be a massive loss for New York, and they would have to look elsewhere for an outfielder (Potentially Kyle Tucker). An impasse is defined as a situation where no progress is possible due to a disagreement.
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Yankees’ Chances to Retain Cody Bellinger Take a Hit
This is a big hit to the New York Yankees’ chances to retain Cody Bellinger and is certainly bad news.
Bellinger appeared to really enjoy playing in Yankee Stadium, and generally just in pinstripes, as he hit 29 home runs in 2025 with 98 RBIs, and yet another season with a strong OPS+ (125). 2025 was Bellinger’s only year with the Yankees, as he was brought over the prior offseason after being with the Chicago Cubs.
Does this Buster Olney report mean that the Yankees have no chance at signing Bellinger? No, but the two sides seem to be in disagreement on the years of a potential contract. Reports in the last few days have indicated that the Yankees offered the 30-year-old a deal worth north of $30 million AAV, but Bellinger’s camp wants a seven-year deal.
GettyCody Bellinger of the New York Yankees.
That then begs the question of what the final pricetag will be on Cody Bellinger? If his camp wants a seven-year deal, and he’s worth at least $30 million to the Yankees, who enjoyed his service for just one season, he could be looking at a $200 million+ contract.
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Is the Sky Falling in New York?
The New York Yankees have had a really slow offseason, and have really only brought in players that were on the 2025 season, and not the better cream of that crop.
Luke Weaver and Devin Williams both left via free agency for the Mets, and now the Yankees are in jeopardy of losing Cody Bellinger, which would be a tough blow to their outfield, unless they can land Kyle Tucker.
Bellinger is a two-time All-Star, former NL MVP, and 2X Silver Slugger award winner, and the free agency hype is certainly worth it.
On top of being a great hitter, Cody Bellinger can play all three defensive outfield spots and first base, just adding to his overall value. Scott Boras’ client will ultimately benefit from all of the above once his contract is decided on this offseason.
The Yankees are having a really bad offseason, but there is still time to make amends. But it will take spending millions on top free agents, but at this point, with the fan base getting so restless, there’s no other option.
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