After a quiet start to the MLB offseason, the market is finally starting to heat up-and one of the biggest remaining dominoes could be about to fall. Cody Bellinger, one of the top free agents still on the board, is reportedly closing in on a decision, and three teams have emerged as serious contenders: the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Let’s break this down.
The Yankees: Familiarity and Flexibility
The Yankees have made their intentions clear. They're in with a five-year, $160 million offer that includes opt-outs after years two and three.
That kind of structure gives Bellinger some control over his future while also signaling the Yankees’ belief in his resurgence. It’s a strong middle-ground offer-long enough to provide security, but flexible enough to let Bellinger test the market again if he keeps trending upward.
And let’s not overlook the familiarity factor. Bellinger already spent time in pinstripes, and the Yankees have a roster built to contend. Slotting him into that lineup provides a left-handed bat with pop, positional versatility, and postseason experience-three things New York values deeply as they look to keep pace in the AL East arms race.
The Mets: Short-Term, High Stakes
Across town, the Mets are reportedly eyeing a different approach. Their offer is believed to be shorter in length but heavier on average annual value-a strategy that’s become something of a calling card for them in recent years.
It’s a bet on upside: pay a premium now, and if it works out, great. If not, there’s no long-term commitment.
For Bellinger, that kind of deal could be appealing if he’s betting on himself to build even more value over the next couple of seasons. But it also comes with more risk. A short-term deal means less security, and for a player who’s had some up-and-down years, that’s not a decision to take lightly.
The Blue Jays: Long-Term Stability
Then there’s Toronto, who may be willing to go the distance-literally. The Blue Jays are reportedly open to offering a longer-term deal, potentially stretching to the seven-year range that Bellinger is said to be seeking.
The trade-off? A lower annual salary compared to what the Yankees or Mets might be offering.
For the Jays, it’s about locking in a cornerstone player as they continue building around a young core. Bellinger’s left-handed bat would bring balance to a righty-heavy lineup, and his ability to play center field or first base gives Toronto flexibility on defense. If they’re willing to commit long-term, they could offer Bellinger the kind of security that neither New York team is prioritizing.
What’s Next?
Bellinger is reportedly weighing his options and could make a decision soon. Each team brings something different to the table-whether it’s the Yankees’ combination of money and familiarity, the Mets’ high-risk, high-reward structure, or the Blue Jays’ long-term commitment.
No matter where he lands, Bellinger’s next move will have ripple effects across the league. He’s more than just a name-he’s a former MVP who, when healthy and locked in, can change the shape of a lineup. And with the market finally moving, this decision could be the next big spark in what’s shaping up to be a late-blooming but dramatic offseason.