LAS VEGAS — The stakes are rising for the Yankees as agent Scott Boras guides Cody Bellinger’s free agency with sharp timing and bold public messaging. Speaking Wednesday at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, Boras made clear that talks with the Yankees have started, and he showed no hesitation using flair and movie lines to shape the narrative around his client.
“We’ve had discussions,” Boras said when asked about recent contact with the Yankees. His remarks included references to “Top Gun” and a strong push to position Bellinger as “the only five-tool free agent outfielder” available this winter.
Yankees face complicated outfield puzzle
The Yankees want to keep Bellinger, and general manager Brian Cashman has said the club would “love to have him come back to us.” The situation remains complicated as the offseason moves forward. Trent Grisham must decide by Monday whether to accept the $22.025 million qualifying offer placed on him. His choice adds pressure to the Yankees’ planning.
“I think the Yankees are looking to improve and not subtract,” Boras said in his 40-minute session with reporters. “So since Grisham and Bellinger were both on the team last year, I would say Grisham’s qualifying offer decision shouldn’t impact the Yankees’ interest in re-signing Bellinger.”
Boras pointed to Bellinger’s performance in 2025 as the driving force behind his confidence. The 30-year-old hit .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and an .813 OPS across 152 games. He also showed elite versatility, starting 59 games in left field, 48 in right, 38 in center and three at first base. That flexibility adds value for the Yankees as they sort through their outfield structure.
Boras unleashes theatrical sales pitch
Boras did not hold back in describing Bellinger’s skill set. He labeled him “a versatile Viper” on defense and “a middle-of-the-lineup Merlin” on offense. He also praised Bellinger for thriving in what he called baseball’s three biggest markets.
“When you think about what he’s done in an L.A. market, he was Hollywood ringing for a championship and MVP,” Boras said. “He was kind of a windy city Wolfman getting the Comeback Player of the Year in Chicago. And in New York, he was a true Iceman cooling any thoughts that he couldn’t hit behind Judge and lead the Yankees to a playoff.”
Boras continued the “Top Gun” theme by saying that Bellinger would not carry a qualifying offer this winter. “That Goose is gone,” he said. He closed by adding, “When it comes to Bellinger, there’s no question that teams have a need — the need to Belli proceed!”
Financial expectations create tension
Reports indicate Bellinger wants a seven-year deal worth about $210 million. MLB Trade Rumors projects a five-year contract worth around $140 million as a more likely outcome. His decision to opt out of the final season of his previous deal, which would have paid him $25 million, shows his belief that he can secure a better long-term commitment.
The Yankees traded for Bellinger last December, sending pitcher Cody Poteet and $5 million to the Chicago Cubs to offset salary. Poteet was designated for assignment before the season began. The deal brought the Yankees a player who produced a 5.0 WAR season and became a major part of their push back into the playoff race.
“I really love the Yankees organization,” Bellinger said late in the season. “It’s extremely professional. I love the people in this locker room. I love playing with Judge. He’s one of the best players on this Earth, and he handles himself and everything really well. I love playing in Yankee Stadium.”
Competition emerges from crosstown rival
Bellinger will not lack suitors. The Mets sit near the top of the list and may challenge the Yankees again after last year’s crosstown drama. Other teams reportedly showing interest include the Astros, Padres, Guardians, Royals, Angels and Mariners.
Cashman confirmed the competition ahead. “He’s going to have a lot of choices because he can do a lot of different things,” he said in a Zoom call. “He was a terrific addition for us last year, played a big role in the amount of success we wound up having. We’d be better served if we could retain him.”
Internal options provide fallback plan
If both Bellinger and Grisham leave, the Yankees will turn to young talent. Cashman referred to prospect Spencer Jones as “plug-and-play” after a season in which Jones hit 35 home runs and stole 29 bases across Double-A and Triple-A. Jones has been training at Yankee Stadium this offseason and plans to report early to spring training.
Jasson Domínguez is also part of the conversation. Now 22, he is playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. He remains a priority for the organization despite defensive inconsistency. Manager Aaron Boone expects him to compete for more playing time in 2026.
“We could lose both Grisham and Bellinger to free agency and then that puts a lot more stress and pressure on those internal options,” Cashman said. “If one of those guys comes back, it creates a nice competition. If both come back, maybe it creates some trade flexibility.”
Boras strategy pressures Yankees’ timeline
The Yankees must navigate the pace set by Boras. By calling the partnership between Bellinger and the Yankees “an ideal fit” and “a well-made ride for everybody,” the agent struck a tone that appeals to fans while also raising the price for any team hoping to outbid New York.
Boras described Bellinger as “an urban Maverick” who has succeeded in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. That history of performance in large markets adds to his overall value and broadens his appeal to teams looking for proven talent.
When asked whether Bellinger is a Yankees priority, Boras did not provide a direct answer. “I’ll let them talk about what they felt was most important,” he said. The response kept negotiations open and signaled that he plans to maintain leverage deep into the winter.
Grisham’s qualifying offer deadline arrives Monday. His decision will influence the early structure of the Yankees’ offseason. Whether Bellinger returns to the Bronx or moves on will stand as one of the defining questions of the winter for the Yankees and their fans.
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