The New York Yankees are doing everything they can to bring back star outfielder Cody Bellinger.
New York has been trying to re-sign Bellinger. But it’s been reported that there is a major gap between the two sides. However, on Tuesday, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on X that the gap isn’t as big as New York is upping its offer.
“Yankees and Bellinger camp continue to talk into this week,” Heyman wrote on X. “NYY trying to bridge the gap in years by enhancing their latest offer (for 5 years) by offering an opt-out, nice signing bonus, no deferrals. Parties have possible options but effort being made to stay together.”
By offering an opt-out and a signing bonus, as well as no deferred money, perhaps that will be enough to get a deal with Bellinger done. However, other teams have been showing interest in Bellinger.
Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season with the Yankees. He’s a two-time MLB All-Star and was the NL MVP in 2019.
What Was The Yankees’ Original Offer to Bellinger?
New York has submitted two offers to Bellinger, but neither has been enough to get a deal done.
ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney reported that the Yankees offered Bellinger a five-year deal worth around $30 million per season.
“The Yankees have offered Bellinger a five-year deal for at least $30 million per season, sources said, which falls in the range of deals that other star hitters received this winter,” Olney wrote.
Although that deal falls in line with what Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber got, Olney believes Bellinger and his camp are looking for a more lucrative deal.
“Bellinger’s camp — he is represented by Scott Boras — is seeking a deal longer than five years And worth more in average annual value than the $30 million per season he has been offered,” Olney added.
With the Yankees reportedly now including opt-outs and no deferred money, perhaps that does entice Bellinger. But the star outfielder has been reported to want a seven-year deal, which the Yankees haven’t reached.
New York Wants Bellinger Back
The Yankees traded for Bellinger last season, and he fit in with the team well.
With Bellinger now as a free agent, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the team would like him back.
“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman said at the Winter Meetings. “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. I think he’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level. And hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, meanwhile, agreed with his GM and said he’d like Bellinger back in the Bronx.
“What Cody brought to us last year, in so many ways … who he was in the room, his performance in between the lines on both sides of the ball, his athleticism, his versatility, who wouldn’t want a player like that?” Boone said.
Bellinger hit .214 with 1 home run and 4 RBIs in the playoffs last season.
Yankees Get Positive Update on Cody Bellinger as New Contract Details Leak