MLB Exec Calls Cody Bellinger a 'Perfect Fit for' Yankees amid Free-Agency Rumors
Coming off arguably his best season since winning the NL MVP award in 2019, Cody Bellinger is still waiting out free agency to determine where he will be playing in 2026.
One executive told ESPN's Jesse Rogers that Bellinger was a "perfect fit" for the New York Yankees last season and will likely make a lot of money as a result.
"Perfect fit for him in New York," the executive said. "Everyone thought he would hit a lot of home runs there, and he did."
The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024. He was coming off a down season at the time of the trade, but moving to Yankee Stadium with the short porch in left field seemed like a prime opportunity for a bounce back.
Bellinger responded by hitting .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers in 152 games. It was his first time playing at least 150 games in a season since that MVP year in 2019.
The offensive production combined with strong defensive metrics resulted in Bellinger having his second-best season by fWAR (4.9).
Unfortunately for the Yankees, Bellinger's success has made him very popular for teams seeking outfield help. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported last week that the New York Mets could make Bellinger a priority after losing Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles in free agency.
In the same article by Rogers, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected a six-year, $180 million contract for Bellinger with whomever he signs.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has said in an "ideal" world their payroll would go down some from the $319 million mark that it was at in 2025, but it's not necessarily a prerequisite for the front office to keep finances down.
The Yankees are currently projected to have $279.2 million in financial commitments next season between payroll and tax payments.
Per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Giants have "checked in" on Bellinger.
MLB.com's Bryan Hoch noted after the winter meetings that the Yankees still have Bellinger as their top priority.
The only Yankees player more valuable than Bellinger by fWAR in 2025 was Aaron Judge. He helped them win 94 games and make the playoffs before they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.
