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The Yankees continue to be linked to top players in MLB free agency and the trade market.
All eyes are on Cody Bellinger’s future as the New York Yankees push to re-sign the former National League MVP. Yet, the Yankees have plenty of competition for the star in MLB free agency.
New York would be forced to pivot if the club strikes out on retaining Bellinger. It appears the franchise is optimistic that another Juan Soto situation will not play out, and Bellinger will once again be wearing pinstripes in 2026.
One person in favor of re-signing Bellinger is Yankees superstar Aaron Judge. The star slugger wants the Yankees to bring back Bellinger, per New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
“Kyle Tucker is the No. 1 free agent, but Bellinger’s versatility works better for the New York teams. (His price tag is lower, too.)” Heyman detailed in a December 25, 2025, story titled, “What Yankees think of chances of losing Cody Bellinger to Mets.”
“The Yankees have made him their priority and seem pretty confident that, unlike superstar Juan Soto, he won’t skip to Queens. Aaron Judge is said to be a big advocate for re-signing Bellinger. The Giants and Bellinger’s old Dodgers team also are interested.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest MLB rumors on Bellinger’s future.
Yankees Rumors: Yankees Star Cody Bellinger Is Projected to Command a $182 Million Contract
The Yankees have yet to re-sign Bellinger, but the overall vibes appear to still be high when it comes to New York’s chances to keep the star. Bellinger opted out of a three-year, $80 million contract and could soon land an even bigger payday. Spotrac projects Bellinger’s market value to be a six-year, $182 million deal.
While expensive, re-signing Bellinger is still expected to be more affordable than going after another big fish like Chicago Cubs star Kyle Tucker. The Yankees have plenty of competition to fight off in order to bring back Bellinger.
MLB Rumors: The Yankees Are Competing With Top Suitors Like the Dodgers & Mets to Re-Sign Bellinger
Judge may need to get into recruiting mode if the Yankees hope to re-sign Bellinger. In addition to the Yankees, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are being floated as top suitors for Bellinger in a “robust” market, per The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
“The market for Cody Bellinger is robust with the most likely result that he signs with a big market, contending team as expected with the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers the most likely landing spots for him at this point in that order,” Bowden noted in a December 17, message on X.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman: ‘Cody Bellinger Would Be a Great Fit for Us’
The Yankees continue to maintain that Bellinger’s best fit is with the Yankees. Yet, until New York inks Bellinger to a new deal there is going to be speculation about where the star will land.
“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman noted, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody.
“I think he’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him.”
Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams
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