Free agent Cody Bellinger is one of the biggest names on the market this offseason, and FanSided’s Robert Murray is unsure of the New York Yankees‘ chance to keep him in the Bronx.

Bellinger spent 2025 with the New York Yankees, putting up a third consecutive season above league average since his departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The outfielder batted a respectable .272 while hitting 29 home runs tallying 98 RBIs, both of which are the most he’s had since his MVP campaign with LA in 2019.

Now a free agent, Murray questioned the Yankees’ ability to retain Bellinger, especially after bringing back outfielder Trent Grisham Jr. and owner Hal Steinbrenner’s goal to shave payroll.

More news: Dodgers Face Concerning Development in Signing Top Free Agent Reliever

“After Trent Grisham accepted the qualifying offer, the immediate word was that Cody Bellinger was still in play for the Yankees,” Murray wrote. “I buy that. Yes, the Yankees are attempting to keep Bellinger. But the two sides are not close to a deal, and team owner Hal Steinbrenner said it would be ‘ideal’ to lower payroll. If that’s the case, where does that leave Bellinger and the Yankees? I’m leaving the door open for a return to the Bronx, but I’m a little skeptical of their chances at the moment.”

The Yankees had the third-highest payroll in baseball in 2025, and already rank fourth in the same category heading into 2026. Signing Bellinger, who Spotrac estimates will cost $30.4 million annually, would push the Yankees into contention for the top spot come the beginning of the regular season.

More news: Blue Jays Receive Surprise Grade For Dylan Cease Signing

If a reunion with Bellinger isn’t in the cards for the Yankees, they still have several internal options with which they could fill their outfield. The Yankees have No. 4 prospect Spencer Jones on the 40-man roster already, and after his .933 OPS showing across Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, they could very well give him a run alongside Grisham and AL MVP Aaron Judge.

Jasson Dominguez filled the Yankees’ left field spot for 100 games in 2025, and could remain as their go-to guy in the new season despite a lackluster .719 OPS.

Ultimately, the Yankees already have several options in the outfield, and while Bellinger is surely a huge upgrade over their current options, the price point could cause bigger issues within the lineup.

For all the latest MLB news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.