The players who don't sign right away in MLB free agency can see their value go one of two ways.
It can rise, based on needs and other contracts coming in higher than expected. Or it can fall, if spots are filled and players are coming in on the cheap side.
In the case of this offseason for hitters, the market has set up for those playing the waiting game to cash in.
The Pete Alonso contract to the Orioles in particular came in well above expectation.
One guy, Cody Bellinger, stands to benefit.
Bellinger has been linked to a return to the New York Yankees or a move across town to the New York Mets, along with a bunch of other suitors.
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At the start of the offseason, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected Bellinger to get a six-year deal for $165 million.
Now, McDaniel has raised his projection to six years for $180 million.
"Bellinger's ability to play first base as well as the outfield -- and at a high level anywhere he plays -- adds value to his résumé that (Kyle) Schwarber, Alonso and the others lack," ESPN's Jesse Rogers added in a new article on Tuesday.
Bellinger played in 152 games in 2025, the most he had played in a season since 2018. An acquiring team has to decide whether Bellinger's power will translate outside of Yankee Stadium, and whether his health will stay steady.
The Yankees, of course, already know what Bellinger looks like in the Bronx. So if they're willing to pay, he could be worthwhile to bring back.
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