Cody Bellinger is seeking out a massive new contract, and the New York Yankees, while intending to re-sign him to a long-term deal and pay him handsomely, aren't biting on his demands.
The Yankees and Bellinger are far apart in contract talks, but there is still discussion between the two sides as the offseason progresses.
But, according to Bob Klapisch of nj.com, the Yankees received a $37 million contract update on Bellinger that, reportedly, they called "crazy."
Yankees get 'crazy' contract update from Bellinger
"I'm told by a person familiar with the situation that Bellinger is also seeking $36-$37 million per year," Klapisch writes. "The Yankees think that's crazy, too, although there's room for negotiation in that regard."
Bellinger, according to this report, is seeking a contract with an AAV of $36-$37 million. It's an absurdly high asking price, though this report does suggest that he's open to negotiating it down.
The Yankees reacted to that number with the thought that it's a "crazy" ask from the 30-year-old Yankees outfielder. But Bellinger wants a long-term deal, and with a lack of great options, he could drive up the price thanks to savvy negotiation from Scott Boras.
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Combined with Bellinger seeking a seven-year deal, which the Yankees also are not a fan of, the potential for a $259 million contract for Bellinger is seemingly his ideal.
The Yankees won't do that deal, nor will most other teams. Kyle Tucker's market is progressing slowly, and until he signs, Bellinger and Boras are likely to wait things out.
They can drive up the price even more once Tucker signs, or at least guarantee a solid floor this winter. But the Yankees are far apart from Bellinger in contract talks.
With no plans to go to seven years or an AAV of $37 million, the Yankees and Bellinger are currently at an impasse. The Yankees see his demands as "crazy" and are not going to budge during these contract talks.
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