The Cody Bellinger-New York Yankees standoff might come to an end soon, as the franchise is willing to do something out of its normal practices.
The Yankees run a tight ship when it comes to their policies or how they project themselves while signing players. They are not known for handing out contract extensions nor for including opt-outs in the contract. But if this is what it might take for them to re-sign Bellinger, they might just do it.
According to The Athletic's Brendan Kuty, the Yankees are open to including opt-outs in Bellinger's potential contract. This might tempt Bellinger to re-sign with them, as he would like to get out in search of a better contract if he records an even better season.
Meanwhile, for the Yankees, including that type of clause is very unusual for them. Among all of their current major contracts, only former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole has that clause in his contract. Cole's nine-year, $324 million contract had an opt-out in place after the 2024 season.
Now, of course, this is no hard rule; but if the Yankees are willing to do something like this in the first place, it's all the more evidence of how dearly they want to keep Bellinger in the Bronx.
MORE: Yankees are prepared for Cody Bellinger's departure
What's keeping Yankees Cody Bellinger deal from happening?
The duration and AAV of the contract are far apart, according to reports.
The Yankees have offered in the vicinity of five years with $31-32 million annual payout. However, Cody Bellinger's camp reportedly wants a seven-year deal, with $36-37 million annual salary.
The Yankees have payrolls to look at with the lockout nearing. They don't want to land on the bad size of luxury penalties for crossing the threshold. Meanwhile, Bellinger has his future to think about. With an injury history and inconsistencies in his career, even he wants long-term security that shouldn't make him worry for the better part of the next decade.
It remains to be seen if both parties can find common ground and make this anticipated deal happen.
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