Entering the MLB offseason, the New York Yankees had one clear priority. They wanted to re-sign star outfielder Cody Bellinger after an impressive first season with the team.
Despite the process dragging out much longer than the Yankees would have liked, the team was able to re-sign Bellinger to a lucrative five-year, $162.5 million contract.
There is a chance that the deal between the two sides could end up being a two-year contract. He has opt-outs after the second and third years. Or, he could remain a cornerstone for New York long-term.
With Bellinger back on the roster, the Yankees opted not to swing big for other outside talent. Brian Cashman has received quite a bit of criticism due to not being aggressive enough in pursuit of a World Series in 2026. However, the team feels it has a good shot at winning it all.
Keeping that in mind, Bellinger recently spoke out strongly about the team’s chances this coming season.
Cody Bellinger Puts MLB on Notice With Latest New York Yankees Comments
During an interview on MLB Network Radio, Bellinger made it clear that he believes in New York’s chances of winning a championship this season.
“Every single person in that locker room shows up, and we’re all there to win a World Series. Now, are 30 other teams? Yeah, of course,” Bellinger said.
“I think that the guys that we have in this locker room are hungry man. I really do feel like it is the pinnacle to win a World Series in this city. A parade in New York City — that’s what I’m chasing, and that’s something that I really want and definitely a dream of mine. I show up every day wanting to win, and so does everyone else in that locker room, and it’s just a fun environment that we have there.”
GettyCody Bellinger of the New York Yankees.
On the road to pursuing a championship, the Yankees are going to have to go through a very competitive American League East division. Bellinger talked about how difficult that will be with so much talent around them.
“Ultimately, the AL East, it’s a gauntlet,” Bellinger said. “Every team is out there to win. And just to be in this kind of environment, it’s what you ask for. When you’re all said and done, you want to be the best. You want to be a part of that.”
While the road won’t be easy, it’s clear that Bellinger and New York are embracing the challenge.
Jim Bowden Has Shared His 2026 Prediction for the Yankees
MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic has weighed in with how he sees the 2026 season going for the Yankees. He expects a second place finish for New York in the AL East behind the Toronto Blue Jays.
At the end of the day, finishing second in the AL East division race should put the Yankees in good position to make the playoffs. If they can get into the postseason, Bellinger and company will have a chance to make a run.
Hopefully, New York will have good fortune on the injury side of things. Gerrit Cole will be coming back this season. If he can return to form, the Yankees’ rotation will take a big leap forward.
Only time will tell, but Bellinger is clearly optimistic about his squad’s chances. Fans may be frustrated with the results of the offseason, but New York is still a legitimate contender at this point in time.
Yankees’ Cody Bellinger Puts MLB on Notice With World Series Remarks