The New York Yankees have sent a clear message to free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, as his contract demands continue to shape the market following Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million signing with the Chicago Cubs.
Market Impact
- Before Bregman signed, the top hitters available were Bregman, Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette.
- With Bregman off the board, attention shifts to Bellinger and Tucker.
- SNY’s John Harper noted: “It sets the bar higher for Bellinger in particular… That’s a lot of money for Bregman, $35 million. I don’t know if this is going to turn the market loose on anybody, because the only two big guys we’re talking about are Bellinger and Tucker.”
Yankees’ Position
- MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported that the Yankees are wary of “bidding against themselves.”
- The Mets have also been linked to Bellinger, though they prefer shorter deals.
- Bellinger’s camp, led by agent Scott Boras, is pushing for a long-term contract.
Bellinger’s Case
- 2025 stats: .272 AVG, 160 hits, 29 HR, 98 RBIs, 89 runs in 152 games.
- Rosenthal defended his stance: “$30+ million a year for five years would be a good deal… He’s younger than Alonso and Schwarber, and those guys got five years. Why shouldn’t he get longer?”
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