Negotiations between the New York Yankees and free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger have reached an impasse, with the team now operating under the assumption that he will sign with another club. The Yankees have offered a five-year deal worth at least $150 million, but Bellinger seeks a longer commitment of up to seven years. As talks stall, the Yankees are exploring alternatives like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.
The New York Yankees' pursuit of Cody Bellinger appeared promising after his strong 2025 season, but recent reports indicate a deadlock in contract discussions. Following the American League Division Series, Bellinger expressed interest in returning, stating he’d “absolutely” be interested in putting on the pinstriped jersey again. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman echoed this sentiment during the Winter Meetings, saying, “He was an impactful player for us last year, and we’d love to have him back if it could fit for us.”
Bellinger, 30, delivered a bounce-back year in the Bronx after being traded from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024. In 152 games, he batted .272/.334/.480 with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and 5.1 bWAR—his best mark since winning the National League MVP in 2019 with the Dodgers. The Cubs covered $2.5 million of his $27.5 million salary that season.
However, ESPN's Buster Olney reported on January 10, 2026, that the Yankees are now preparing for life without Bellinger, as negotiations over years and annual average value have stalled. The team's latest offer stands at five years and at least $30 million per season, comparable to recent deals like Pete Alonso's five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles and Kyle Schwarber's five-year, $150 million pact with the Phillies. Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, is pushing for seven years, and up to eight clubs have shown interest.
Cashman emphasized fiscal caution in December, noting, “Everything adds up. Everything counts... We are an aggressive franchise. But while being aggressive, we already have some very large commitments.” The recent signing of Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs on January 10 has raised the market bar, with SNY's John Harper suggesting it “sets the bar higher” for Bellinger at around $35 million AAV.
With Bellinger potentially departing, the Yankees are pivoting to other options. Outfielder Kyle Tucker, seeking at least $300 million, remains a top target, while infielder Bo Bichette—whose $300 million asking price includes a Monday meeting with the Phillies—offers a right-handed bat to balance the lineup. Bichette hit .311/.357/.483 with 3.5 WAR in 139 games last season for the Blue Jays. Trade discussions for pitchers like Freddy Peralta or MacKenzie Gore are also in play, especially if a Bellinger reunion displaces Jasson Domínguez in left field.
