The New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger still haven’t been able to agree to terms on a new contract in MLB free agency.
Despite coming into the offseason with re-signing Bellinger being their top priority, the Yankees have yet to figure something out. The two sides have been far apart in negotiations, although they have not stopped talking about a new deal.
With that being said, the time is coming for New York to get aggressive to close a deal.
Kyle Tucker remains a free agent as well. He was the top player on the market this offseason. However, he’s starting to get close to making a decision on where he will play next.
Keeping that in mind, the Yankees have received an ominous warning about needing to get a deal done with Bellinger before Tucker signs with a team.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has revealed why New York needs to work out a deal with Bellinger as soon as possible.
“Once Tucker is off the board, teams who didn’t get him might step up their pursuits of Cody Bellinger,” Rosenthal said.
“Once Tucker is off the board, teams who didn’t get him might step up their pursuits of Cody Bellinger,” says @Ken_Rosenthal.
Losing Cody Bellinger Would Be a Crushing Blow for the New York Yankees
Should the worst-case scenario become a reality and Bellinger signs elsewhere, the Yankees would be in trouble. There aren’t many other directions to turn.
Bellinger was a crucial piece of the offense last season. After being acquired in the offseason via a trade with the Chicago Cubs, he lived up to the hype entirely in New York.
Throughout the 152 games he played for the Yankees, Bellinger hit 29 home runs, drove in 98 RBI, and produced a slash line of .272/.334/.480. Those numbers would be very difficult to replace.
Looking at the remaining available free agents, New York wouldn’t have too many players to pursue. Bo Bichette could be the best available, but he isn’t exactly what the Yankees need. The front office could also consider the trade market.
There are some avenues for improvement if Bellinger walks, but New York would be entering dangerous territory.
Robert Murray of FanSided chimed in on the matter with his thoughts.
“I think the fit for both sides is just so clear and so obvious that it almost makes too much sense for it not to happen,” he said.
What’s the Latest on the Yankees’ Talks With Bellinger?
Chris Kirschner of The Athletic has provided a positive update on the talks between the Yankees and Bellinger. He believes that the two sides will find common ground.
“If he doesn’t return to the Yankees, then where is he going?” Kirschner wrote. “It seems obvious that no team, including the Yankees, has met Boras’ ask yet; otherwise, Bellinger would have likely signed by now.”
That should ease the nerves of some fans, but that report alone isn’t going to get a deal done.
Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets could get involved in the Bellinger discussions if they miss out on Tucker. Another team to watch out for would be the Toronto Blue Jays if they lose the Tucker sweepstakes.
Only time will tell, but New York should heed Rosenthal’s warning and try to get a deal done as soon as they possibly can.
Yankees Receive Ominous Warning Amid Cody Bellinger Standoff