The New York Yankees are in the market for an outfielder and pitcher this winter, and while they've passed up on a few pitchers, they're still active in the market for Cody Bellinger.
While nothing has moved yet for Bellinger or Kyle Tucker, there have been some rumors about asking prices and potential contract offers. But the latest update is such a ridiculous one, it's hard to believe.
According to Barry M. Bloom of Forbes.com, the Yankees' free agent outfielder is reportedly seeking a $400 million, eight-year contract. It's a ridiculous report, as Bellinger, while great, is far from likely to land such a stunning new deal.
Yankees receive stunning Cody Bellinger $400 million asking price from MLB writer
"Bellinger is looking for an eight-year deal worth $400m, @Boomskie has learned," Bloom reports. "Tucker is in the same neighborhood. It's going to be a long offseason."
This report is unfathomable. While Bellinger, the 2019 MVP and coming off a very strong 2025 season for the Yankees, is one of the most valuable free agents on the market, this asking price is way too high.
For reference, ESPN's most recent contract prediction for Bellinger was updated from the initial mark of $165 million over six years to $180 million over six years.
If Bloom's report is the deal Bellinger and agent Scott Boras are seeking, then there's a $200 million-plus gap in ESPN's projected deal and the deal Bellinger is seeking.
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This huge difference is what makes this contract rumor so hard to believe. It wouldn't be strange for Boras to set the initial price-point at a high mark, but for it to be a $400 million contract, it's hard to believe.
The Yankees have been cautious with their spending this winter, and if Bellinger is seeking a $400 million deal, there's little chance of the Yankees coming to terms this offseason.
The deal Bellinger winds up signing will likely be a lot less than this $400 million rumor from Bloom, but this report is still a stunning and ridiculous update on the Bellinger free agent sweepstakes.
Tucker asking for $400 million wasn't unheard of, but he's been much more consistent than Bellinger has in recent seasons. Bellinger is viewed as a step down from Tucker, but this report suggests that he's seeking the same lofty contract that Tucker is pursuing.
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