In an offseason where many marquee free agents prolonged their decision on where they will be playing baseball next season, Cody Bellinger is essentially the last big name standing, as he and the New York Yankees have been at a standstill with each other.
The Yankees have made it known they will not make another offer to Belinger after the team reportedly offered a five-year deal worth $160 million with multiple opt-outs and announced they will not get into a bidding war with the slugger.
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On Monday, during the 'Foul Territory' podcast, MLB analyst and Insider, Jim Bowden, clarified that the Yankees will not have a 'panic pivot' similar to what he believes the New York Mets did with the addition of former Blue Jay, Bo Bichette. Bowden says the team will likely give their young guys a chance to shine next season.
Bowden closed by stating he "still thinks it's likely that Belinger goes back. My understanding is that they're willing to give him a huge signing bonus as well."
Although it's still unknown what the former World Series champion will decide to do, the Yankees do not have any other top talent to pursue, so in a way, Bellinger could have had the leverage in this situation, but the more New York stands their ground, it makes one question both parties' future heading into spring training.
Bellinger crushed 29 home runs out of the ballpark while batting.272 in his first season with the Yankees after spending the two prior seasons with the Chicago Cubs, after concluding his six-season stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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