The New York Yankees haven't been able to find common footing with Cody Bellinger in free agency.
It might be time for them to pay up or shut up now.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers having signed Kyle Tucker on Thursday night, that's one less lefty-swinging outfielder available.
Any team that was after Tucker would now shift to Bellinger, presumably.
And in this case, that means the New York Mets.
"The Mets in particular could be more motivated to go after Bellinger," MLB.com wrote on Thursday night. "They have a clear need in the outfield, and missing out on Tucker has only compounded the pressure they were already facing to make a big splash following the departures of several longtime players."
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The Yankees and Bellinger have seemed far apart in negotiations, based on reports.
"The Bronx Bombers have been trying to bring Bellinger back, but the length of a potential deal has been a sticking point in contract talks," MLB.com writes. "The Yankees reportedly offered a five-year deal worth around $155 million, but Bellinger is said to be seeking a seven-year contract."
The Yankees don't necessarily need Bellinger. They have much more of a logjam of position players than the Mets, and losing Bellinger would free up playing time for younger players.
On the flip side, Bellinger was just so good with the Yankees in 2025. It would make a lot of sense for them to try to retain him.
It'd be particularly painful to watch Bellinger leave for the Mets one year after Juan Soto did the same thing.
With Tucker off the board, the Yankees better spring into action.
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