Latest Cody Bellinger, Yankees Contract Rumors Amid Dodgers, Mets, Cubs Buzz

The New York Yankees and free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger remain at an impasse, with The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reporting that a deal does not appear to be close.

Kuty examined the situation from the perspectives of both sides.

The MLB wrote how re-signing the two-time All-Star would fortify the outfield and allow New York to focus on strengthening other areas of the roster.

"Otherwise they may have to pivot to the trade market or another free-agent bat, such as Bo Bichette, who wouldn't be an obvious fit as a shortstop, or Kyle Tucker, who hasn't appeared to be on the Yankees' radar all offseason," Kuty said.

However, he posited the Bronx Bombers could be driving a hard bargain when Bellinger had to settle for a contract (three years, $80 million) well below his initial asking price the last time he hit the open market.

According to Kuty, the Yanks also "still believe in switch-hitter Jasson Domínguez," who could emerge as the long-term solution in left.

Bellinger is coming off a strong 2025 season. He had 29 home runs and a .272/.334/.480 slash line. The 30-year-old was an above-average hitter who ranked in the 91st percentile in fielding run value, per Baseball Savant. That combination of skills isn't easy to find.

The Yankees aren't the only team on Bellinger's radar, either. He has been linked with the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.

There are conflicting accounts over whether Scott Boras, Bellinger's agent, set a target of $400 million for the 2019 National League MVP. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel pegged his valuation at $180 million over six years.

When multiple teams are on Bellinger's radar, the Yankees can only play hardball for so long. They're unlikely to get him on a massive bargain, and playing the waiting game won't change that.

General manager Brian Cashman will either need to get much closer to whatever Boras' demand is or pivot to outfield alternatives.