The New York Yankees are still in a staring contest with Cody Bellinger’s camp-and the clock is ticking.
With the other top free-agent bats already spoken for-Kyle Tucker is headed to the Dodgers, Alex Bregman’s joining the Cubs, and Bo Bichette just landed with the Mets-Bellinger remains the last major name on the board. And after the season he just had in the Bronx, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Yankees.
Let’s be clear: Bellinger wasn’t just good in 2025-he was essential. He hit 29 home runs, drove in 98 runs, and played in 152 games.
That kind of consistency, especially in a lineup that needed it, made him the Yankees’ second most valuable player behind Aaron Judge. He brought power, versatility, and leadership, all while holding down key defensive roles.
With Juan Soto now playing in Queens, Bellinger became even more central to what the Yankees were trying to build.
The Yankees have made it known they want him back. General Manager Brian Cashman hasn’t been shy about that.
But here’s the hold-up: Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal. The Yankees, at least for now, are standing firm at five.
That gap might not seem massive on paper, but in today’s free-agent market-especially when Boras is involved-it’s the kind of detail that can make or break a deal.
And now, the Mets loom again.
It wasn’t long ago that the Mets swiped Soto from the Yankees’ grasp. Now, with Bichette already in the fold and their front office clearly in win-now mode, it’s not out of the question they could take a run at Bellinger too.
If that happens, we could be looking at another high-stakes, cross-town bidding war. These two clubs have rarely gone head-to-head for a star free agent, but when they do, it’s big-and Bellinger’s profile fits the bill.
The Yankees have to ask themselves a tough question: How much is too much for a player who’s already proven he can thrive in pinstripes? They’ve seen what Bellinger can do over a full season.
He’s not just a bat-they value him as a complete player and a clubhouse presence. But if they don’t move off that five-year stance, someone else might swoop in.
Whether that’s the Mets or another aggressive suitor, it’s clear someone’s going to make a serious offer. The only question is whether the Yankees are willing to match it-or risk losing a key piece of their core.
This one feels like it could move fast. The Yankees have been here before. Now it’s time to see if they’re ready to close.