Cody Bellinger remains one of the biggest names still on the board this offseason, and the New York Yankees are holding their ground in pursuit of the former MVP. After opting out of his deal and hitting the open market back in November, Bellinger has yet to sign - but the Yankees have made it clear where they stand. Three offers in, and Hal Steinbrenner's front office has drawn a firm line in the sand.
According to reports, the Yankees' latest proposal is a five-year, $160 million deal with two opt-outs built in. That’s not just a competitive offer - it’s their final one.
The message to Bellinger’s camp, and agent Scott Boras, is simple: this is it. Take it or leave it.
It’s a bold play, especially considering the Yankees pivoted to Bellinger after missing out on Juan Soto, who ended up signing a blockbuster 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. But Bellinger has more than proven his value.
At 30, he's coming off a strong season where he delivered both at the plate and in the field. A 5.1 bWAR, 28 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a 125 OPS+ - those are numbers that speak for themselves.
Add to that his Gold Glove-caliber defense in the outfield, and it’s easy to see why the Yankees are so invested.
But across town, the Mets are lurking.
After losing out on Kyle Tucker - who landed in Los Angeles with the Dodgers - the Mets are still looking to fill a corner outfield spot. And while Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown he’s not afraid to spend big, insiders suggest a bidding war between the two New York clubs isn’t likely to materialize. Despite the intrigue of another inter-borough battle - especially after the Juan Soto saga - it seems the Mets might be looking in a different direction.
One path reportedly under consideration is using that potential Bellinger money to shore up their rotation. Framber Valdez, the lefty ace formerly with the Astros, is drawing interest from the Mets (as well as the Orioles, Cubs, and Giants). A deal for Valdez could land in the $150 million range over five or six years - a hefty investment, but one that could provide the Mets with a frontline starter to anchor their staff.
Still, the appeal of landing Bellinger isn’t lost on the Mets. Not only would it fill their outfield need - particularly with Brandon Nimmo’s future in question - but it would also deliver another psychological blow to their crosstown rivals. After swiping Soto from the Yankees, adding Bellinger would mark the second straight offseason where the Mets outmaneuvered the Bronx Bombers for a marquee name.
That said, the Yankees aren’t blinking. They believe their offer is fair, and they’re not interested in getting into a back-and-forth with Boras and the Mets. For now, the ball is in Bellinger’s court.
He’s a player who’s re-established himself after a few down years, and his skill set - left-handed power, defensive versatility, postseason experience - fits perfectly with what both New York teams are trying to build. Whether he ends up in pinstripes or Queens, he’s going to be a difference-maker.
But unless something changes, don’t expect a bidding war to break out. The Yankees have made their pitch.
The Mets are weighing their options. And Cody Bellinger, for now, remains the biggest domino yet to fall in this offseason’s free agent market.