Building on earlier confidence amid fading Mets interest, fresh MLB analyst predictions and GM Brian Cashman's endorsement bolster the New York Yankees' hopes of re-signing free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, despite rival suitors.
Following initial reports of Yankees priority and Aaron Judge's advocacy for retaining Cody Bellinger after his standout 2025 season, optimism has grown with new developments in his free agency.
Spotrac projects Bellinger—a 2019 NL MVP who opted out of his $80M contract—for a six-year, $182 million deal. While the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers show interest, New York remains focused, viewing him as a better fit than pricier fallback Kyle Tucker.
CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson, in a December 30 column, predicted Bellinger's return: "Bellinger’s game is a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium and he’s coming off a great year with New York." This aligns with prior insider notes on his versatility suiting the Bronx.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman reinforced the case, telling MLB.com: "Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us... He’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties, hits righties."
The team's quiet offseason—highlighted by retaining Trent Grisham on a qualifying offer—has faced criticism as one of MLB's weakest, with calls for moves like Bellinger's return to strengthen the roster for 2026.
