New York — Cody Bellinger remains unsigned. So does everyone else’s chance to land him.
That might be the best news Yankees fans have heard all winter.
YES Network’s Jack Curry reported on the Yankees Hot Stove show that no team has “come close” to meeting agent Scott Boras’ demands for the free agent outfielder. The market has not moved in Bellinger’s direction. And that creates an opening for the Yankees to remain patient while others blink first.
“No one has come close, I don’t think, to the demands that are ongoing for Bellinger,” Curry said.
The $400 million report gets debunked
Earlier this week, longtime baseball writer Barry Bloom reported that Cody Bellinger was seeking an eight-year, $400 million contract. The number stunned the industry.
That report did not last long.
Boras called Bloom directly and asked him to retract it. He called the report “nonsense.” Bloom complied, though he noted his source was credible and may have been trying to “force the market.”
“Scott Boras said my report about Bellinger asking for $400m was ‘nonsense’ and asked me to retract it,” Bloom wrote on X. “In immense respect to him and our decades-long relationship, and despite my very credible source, consider it retracted. He didn’t give me a replacement figure.”
Most projections have Bellinger landing somewhere between $165 million and $180 million over six years. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel recently updated his projection to five years and $170 million. That is a far cry from $400 million.
Boone remains confident despite quiet offseason
Manager Aaron Boone spoke Friday while handing out food and toys at a charity event in the Bronx. He acknowledged the slow pace of the offseason but expressed faith in the roster.
“The one thing is, I know we have a really good team right now,” Boone said. “We have a lot of really good players on our roster. It’s probably not finished, there’ll be tweaks I’m sure up until spring training. So whatever happens, our expectation is that we’re going to be really good and that’ll be our focus, on getting ready.”
Boone said he would reach out to Bellinger over the holidays. He has not played an active role in recruiting the outfielder back but remains hopeful the two sides can find common ground.
“It always takes more than just us to tango,” Boone said. “It takes sometimes other clubs, obviously free agents and the opportunities they have in front of them. However it lands, my expectation is that we’re going to be really good and that’s how we’ll prepare.”
Bellinger waiting on Kyle Tucker’s market
The reason for the delay may be simple. Bellinger and Boras appear to be waiting for Kyle Tucker to sign first.
Tucker is reportedly seeking 11 years and $418 million. He is represented by a different agent, but his contract will set the market for premium outfielders this winter.
“Boras does not represent Kyle Tucker,” Michael Kay said on the Hot Stove show. “Boras wants to see what Tucker gets, and then he can slot in Bellinger after that. Until Tucker establishes a market, I think it is going to be slow.”
Kay added that the Yankees will “tap out” if Bellinger’s number climbs too high. But for now, the playing field remains open.
AL East rivals keep making moves around them
The patience may frustrate fans watching rivals improve. The Orioles finalized a trade Friday for Rays right-hander Shane Baz. Baltimore also added Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward and Ryan Helsley this offseason.
The Mets signed former Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. The Blue Jays beat the Yankees in the ALDS after winning the division tiebreaker.
The Yankees have brought back Trent Grisham on the qualifying offer. They picked up Tim Hill’s club option. They re-signed Amed Rosario and swingman Ryan Yarbrough. Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest remains their only external addition.
Boone said Rosario will start getting reps at first base to provide a right-handed option alongside Ben Rice.
Jazz Chisholm trade rumors continue to swirl
General manager Brian Cashman said at the Winter Meetings that he is open to “challenge trades.” He also acknowledged the lineup is too left-handed. That sparked speculation about Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s future.
Boone said he still expects Chisholm to be on the roster next year. But he did not close the door entirely.
“You never know what’s going to happen in the winter, as teams are maneuvering their rosters and whatever,” Boone said. “But yeah, I do expect him. But you never know what’s going to happen, where teams match up on certain things. But I’m planning on him being right in the middle of the lineup.”
Chisholm became the third 30-30 player in Yankees history in 2025. He hit 31 home runs and stole 31 bases despite missing all of May with an oblique strain.
Why the stalled market benefits the Yankees
The longer Bellinger stays on the market without offers approaching his demands, the better it looks for the Yankees. They remain his most logical landing spot.
Bellinger thrived in the Bronx last season. He hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs in 152 games. He posted a 4.9 fWAR, his best mark since winning NL MVP in 2019. His home splits were even better. He slashed .302/.365/.544 with an .909 OPS in 80 games at Yankee Stadium.
The short porch in right field suits his left-handed swing. The stage fits his personality. The team wants him back.
“I know the front office is grinding away,” Boone said.
The grind continues. So does the wait for Bellinger. But with no team stepping up to meet Boras’ demands, the Yankees may have more leverage than it first appeared.
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