3 ways Yankees can avoid watching Cody Bellinger becoming the next Alex Bregman

KD Jain

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3 ways Yankees can avoid watching Cody Bellinger becoming the next Alex Bregman image

Just like the Boston Red Sox wanted to re-sign Alex Bregman, the New York Yankees also want Cody Bellinger to return.

Both Bregman and Bellinger opted out of their short-term deals they signed last offseason after putting up strong numbers in 2025 in hopes of signing a long-term contract that will take them into their deep 30s. The former has signed with the Chicago Cubs on a five-year, $175 million deal. Bellinger would want something similar or even better, given that he is younger than the third baseman.

The Red Sox acknowledged that they failed to close Bregman. Many are wondering if the same happens to the Yankees with regard to their interest in Bellinger. Here are three ways they can ensure it doesn't happen.

1. Yankees need to bridge contract gap with Cody Bellinger or move on

The Yankees and Cody Bellinger negotiations have hit a wall as both have opposing views regarding the duration of the contract. The Bronx Bombers would, of course, want a short-term deal as the outfielder has been inconsistent with his performances in the past. Meanwhile, Bellinger wants long-term security, given he may not want to prove his worth again in his 30s.

The Yankees have reportedly offered Bellinger a five-year deal worth $155-$160 million. Meanwhile, Bellinger's agent Scott Boras is pushing for a seven-year deal at a high AAV. The two parties reportedly even met last weekend, but nothing good came out of it.

In order to avoid seeing Bellinger sign elsewhere, the Yankees must make an initiative to make a competitive offer. They can structure the contract creatively so that both parties can get what they want without having a lot of downside. It's either that or the Yankees must move on from him to search for other options.

2. Don’t let negotiations drag out too long

The Red Sox made the mistake of letting negotiations drag on with Alex Bregman. Because you never know when a good offer comes along and takes away the precious piece. The Yankees might not want to wake up to the headline of 'Dodgers/Mets give Bellinger a $250 million worth contract.'

Another downside that comes with dragging negotiations is that you can't focus on other alternative options, knowing there may be no one who could be as perfect as Bellinger is for their roster. 

3. Pursue other top options aggressively

There's always an option to look elsewhere. The Red Sox failed to do so by not signing Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. If the Yankees do move on from Bellinger, they need to aggressively push for other available options. 

Also Read: Yankees are prepared for Cody Bellinger's departure

For the Yankees, in order to fill the Bellinger gap, they must aggressively go after Kyle Tucker, but it might be more expensive than re-signing the former NL MVP, with an upside that he can give better at-bats.

There's also the option of free agent shortstop Bo Bichette, who could provide middle-of-order impact and is younger with more years of team control. However, signing him potentially would require the Yankees to make a trade, such as asking for Luis Robert Jr. From the Chicago White Sox in exchange for second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.

 

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News Correspondent