The New York Yankees are heading into the 2025-2026 MLB offseason with a clear goal of landing one of the top outfielders. Whether it's Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, bringing one to New York is the priority this winter.
Of the two, their best bet is to re-sign Bellinger. Due to the Yankees trying not to spend too much this winter, Bellinger's contract, likely well below Tucker's massive deal, is the better fit for New York.
Unfortunately for the Yankees, however, the free agent update for Bellinger was shared by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. While not a traditional update, Feinsand pointed out Bellinger's timeline for a deal, and if it holds, it spells bad news for the Yankees.
Cody Bellinger's free agency update is bad news for Yankees
"I don't know if Tucker will get done next week (during the winter meetings)," Feinsand writes, "but the only player I think will wait for Tucker is Cody Bellinger, who is being pursued by many of the same teams."
This update on Bellinger's free agency plans is bad news for the Yankees. While it may not seem like it on the surface, if Bellinger waits for Tucker to sign his new deal, then there will be only one top outfielder on the market.
In such a scenario, with the losers of the Tucker sweepstakes turning to Bellinger, the Yankees will have a much more difficult time retaining the former Los Angeles Dodgers MVP at a reasonable price.
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"Once Tucker signs," Feinsand writes, "Bellinger's leverage grows considerably, not only with the Yankees, but with other teams that are in on Tucker."
A lot can change in the coming weeks in free agency, and Bellinger's status is one of those that's reliant upon what another free agent does. He won't match Tucker's deal, but he will have a leg-up in contract talks once Tucker signs.
This report from Feinsand, that Bellinger isn't going to sign until after Tucker, is bad news for the Yankees. While they can still re-sign Bellinger, it becomes a lot more difficult with more teams involved in his market.
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