The New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger were a great pairing in 2025, as the former Los Angeles Dodgers MVP thrived in New York alongside Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham in the outfield.
But he's now a free agent and can sign anywhere he wants. That does include the Yankees, and there's mutual interest. But things aren't in the best place a few days before the winter meetings.
According to Robert Murray of Fansided.com, the Yankees and Bellinger are reportedly "not close" to a new contract, as the star outfielder's chances of returning to the Yankees decrease.
Yankees, Cody Bellinger reportedly 'not close' to new deal
"Yes, the Yankees are attempting to keep Bellinger," Murray reports. "But the two sides are not close to a deal, and team owner Hal Steinbrenner said it would be 'ideal' to lower payroll."
This report from Murray doesn't outright say that Bellinger is leaving, but it does paint a much more uncertain picture than what's been discussed previously. As Murray writes, "I'm a little skeptical of their chances (of re-signing Bellinger) at the moment."
Bellinger is 30 years old and coming off a strong season with the Yankees. He had 5.1 bWAR, a.272 batting average, and 29 home runs to go with great defense in the outfield.
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Players like Bellinger don't come around often in free agency, and with plenty of other teams potentially interested in him, like the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and others, the Yankees might not be able to retain him this winter.
This report from Murray that the two sides are still far apart on a deal is bad news for their chances of re-signing him. But it's not the be-all-end-all.
It might be more difficult than it could've been, but there's mutual interest, and if the Yankees can meet his demands, Bellinger could return to New York despite being far apart in contract talks during the offseason.
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