MLB insider reveals Cody Bellinger update after Trent Grisham's $22 million Yankees decision

Matt Sullivan

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MLB insider reveals Cody Bellinger update after Trent Grisham's $22 million Yankees decision image

The New York Yankees got a mild surprise on Tuesday afternoon, as outfielder Trent Grisham accepted the $22.025 million qualifying offer.

This decision from Grisham locked up one of the two Yankees outfielders hitting the open market. Cody Bellinger, now a free agent, could wind up signing elsewhere this winter.

There's reasonable concern that the Grisham decision impacts the Yankees' chances of bringing back Bellinger. But, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Grisham decision has no impact on the Yankees' effort to re-sign Bellinger.

Does Trent Grisham's $22 million decision impact Cody Bellinger's return to Yankees? Insider says no

"Grisham decision doesn't affect Yankees pursuit of Cody Bellinger, a priority," Heyman reports.

This is a significant update from Heyman, as there was some concern that Grisham's decision could lead to the Yankees being out on Bellinger in free agency.

But the Yankees are still in on the former Los Angeles Dodgers MVP, and Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone view Bellinger as a priority this winter.

The 30-year-old outfielder had a great season in New York and now hits the open market poised to land a massive contract.

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In 152 games, Bellinger had 160 hits, 89 runs scored, 25 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, 57 walks, 90 strikeouts, and a slash line of.272/.334/.480 for a solid.813 OPS.

Not only was he a good hitter for the Yankees in 2025, but his defense in the outfield and flexibility to play first base make him one of the more intriguing free agent options this offseason.

Bellinger will have plenty of interested teams, and the Yankees will be one of them despite Grisham accepting the $22.025 million qualifying offer.

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Editorial Team