NEW YORK — The Yankees have drawn their line in the sand. After months of negotiations with Cody Bellinger, the front office has made a crucial internal decision. They will not chase the star outfielder into a bidding war.
This stance comes at a critical time. The Mets just landed Bo Bichette for $126 million. Kyle Tucker signed with the Dodgers for $240 million. Bellinger remains the top unsigned position player on the market.
The Yankees believe they have been more than fair. Now the ball is in Scott Boras’s court.
Yankees refuse to engage in bidding war
Bob Klapisch of NJ.com reported on Sunday that the Yankees have made a firm decision. They will hold the line on their current offer.
“Yankees have made an internal decision not to engage in a bidding war for Cody Bellinger if Mets or anyone else swoops in with a blow-away offer,” Klapisch wrote. “Yankees believe they’ve made a fair proposal. Five years, $160 million, two opt-outs. They’re prepared to let Bellinger walk.”
The message to Bellinger’s camp is unmistakable. Take it or leave it.
Steinbrenner won’t get burned again
Owner Hal Steinbrenner has not forgotten what happened with Juan Soto. The Yankees offered $750 million last winter. The Mets came in at $765 million. Soto left for Flushing.
Coming up $15 million short still stings in the Bronx. The front office appears determined not to get pulled into another escalating auction.
As of now, Steinbrenner has decided he’s gone far enough with Bellinger. Talks with Boras stalled last week after the two sides moved closer on the annual average value. They reportedly agreed on approximately $32 million per year.
But then came the deal-breaker. Boras still wants seven years. The Yankees aren’t budging off five.
‘Fine, take it, good luck’
One major league source explained the Yankees’ stance bluntly.
“If (Boras and Bellinger) can do better than that, the Yankees’ attitude is, ‘Fine, take it, good luck,'” the source said this weekend.
The Yankees are counting on one angle. They believe there is no market interest in Bellinger at seven years.
They like Bellinger. He is on good terms with everyone in the franchise. He is especially popular in the clubhouse. He is skilled at four positions. His swing is perfect for the short porch at Yankee Stadium. His father Clay played for the Yankees.
But still, Bellinger has carved out a reputation as an MLB star. Not as a superstar. That’s why the Yankees are holding firm.
The five-year, $160 million package
The Yankees have enhanced their offer in recent weeks. The five-year package now totals as much as $160 million. It includes two opt-outs after years two and three.
The deal contains no deferred money. It features a substantial signing bonus. The average annual value sits at $32 million per season.
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic confirmed the opt-out structure this weekend. The Yankees view this as a fair commitment to a player entering his age-31 season.
They believe the time for a longer-term deal would’ve been in Bellinger’s 20s. That was when he was one of the Dodgers’ best players.
Mets remain a threat
The Mets haven’t backed off despite signing Bichette. Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that Steve Cohen’s club still holds interest in Bellinger.
Their preference would be another short-term deal. Think three or four years at a higher AAV. That approach fits David Stearns’ preference for roster flexibility.
Plucking Bellinger away from the Yankees would address the Mets’ need for a left fielder. It would also deliver the dividend of outbidding the Yankees for a second straight year.
Cohen has shown zero hesitation about outbidding the Yankees when he wants a player.
Bellinger’s strong 2025 season
The 30-year-old proved his fit in the Bronx during 2025. He hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI. He added 89 runs, 13 stolen bases and posted an .813 OPS across 152 games.
Yankee Stadium’s short porch became his best friend. He launched 18 of his 29 homers at home. He slashed .302/.365/.544 in the Bronx with a .909 OPS. That was nearly 200 points higher than on the road.
Bellinger hit .348 with runners in scoring position last year. That was eight points higher than Aaron Judge.
His defense saved runs at multiple outfield positions. His left-handed bat balanced a right-heavy lineup. His veteran presence complemented Judge in the clubhouse.
Yankees have internal options
If Bellinger leaves, the Yankees have young talent waiting. The plan would be to give Jasson Dominguez a shot as the everyday left fielder. Trent Grisham would need to duplicate his 34-homer season from 2025.
Top prospect Spencer Jones is expected to make his MLB debut at some point in 2026. That combination may not be enough for another 94 wins. But the front office believes the nucleus is there.
The Yankees have also turned their attention to the trade market. They maintain heavy interest in Brewers starter Freddy Peralta.
Someone needs to blink
Spring training begins in roughly five weeks. The clock is ticking.
The Yankees are playing a hunch that Boras will eventually see the light. It wouldn’t be the first time the super-agent read the market incorrectly. Pete Alonso held out until Feb. 12 last year. Blake Snell didn’t sign until March 19 in 2024.
Losing Bellinger would hurt. But the front office has drawn its line. Steinbrenner is convinced he has offered enough. Either Bellinger accepts, or the Yankees move on.
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