The Yankees are playing a smart hand this winter, and for once, Brian Cashman might be the one with the leverage in a negotiation with super-agent Scott Boras. The focus? Cody Bellinger - a name that still carries weight, but a player whose market value isn’t quite matching the sticker price Boras is pushing.
Right now, Bellinger remains unsigned, and according to Yankees insider Jack Curry, no team has come close to meeting the kind of contract demands Boras is floating. That’s created a standoff - and make no mistake, it’s one that favors the Yankees.
Cashman knows the market is cooling, and he’s not blinking. He’s letting the numbers settle, waiting for the price to come back down to earth before making a move that fits both the team’s championship goals and its financial guardrails.
Bellinger’s Bat: Good Numbers, But Buyer Beware
On the surface, Bellinger’s 2025 season looks strong. A .272 average and 29 home runs will catch anyone’s attention.
But dig a little deeper, and the picture gets more complicated. His average exit velocity?
Just 24th percentile. Hard-hit rate?
Only 26th percentile. That’s not the kind of batted-ball profile you expect from someone seeking a $200 million deal.
Sure, Bellinger does a great job avoiding strikeouts - he ranked in the 91st percentile in strikeout rate last season - and that’s no small feat in today’s game. But the Yankees aren’t just looking at surface stats.
They’re weighing whether that production is sustainable or if it’s the result of a hot streak that could fade fast. And when you’re talking about a long-term commitment with big money attached, that distinction matters.
A Glove Worth Paying For - But Not at Any Price
If there’s one area where Bellinger brings undeniable value, it’s on defense. He was elite in 2025, ranking in the 93rd percentile in Outs Above Average and 91st percentile in arm value. That kind of outfield reliability is something the Yankees haven’t always had, and adding that to the roster would be a clear upgrade.
But defense alone doesn’t justify the contract length and dollar amount Boras is after. Bellinger’s .814 OPS is solid, but it’s not the type of production you build a lineup around - especially not in October, when stars are expected to rise. The Yankees are looking for a complete player, not just a glove-first contributor with streaky offense.
The Yankees Are Playing the Long Game
What we’re seeing this offseason is a shift in strategy from the Yankees’ front office. They’re not rushing into splashy deals just for the sake of headlines. The market is softer than in years past, and they’re using that to their advantage - waiting for values to come to them rather than chasing players at inflated prices.
That approach makes even more sense when you consider the bigger picture. Other top-tier names - like Kyle Tucker - are also facing a sluggish market.
So why overextend now when patience could land you a better deal later? It’s a calculated play, and one that reflects a front office that’s more focused on long-term sustainability than short-term buzz.
The Leverage Is in the Bronx
At this point, it’s clear: Bellinger needs the Yankees more than the Yankees need Bellinger - at least at the current asking price. He’s entering his age-30 season and trying to turn a bounce-back year into long-term security. But the numbers suggest he’s more of a complementary piece than a franchise cornerstone.
That doesn’t mean the Yankees are out. If the price drops - and all signs suggest it might - Bellinger could still be a fit in the Bronx.
But Cashman isn’t chasing. He’s waiting, calculating, and letting the market do the work.
And in this version of the offseason chess match, it’s the Yankees who are holding the better position across the board.