The New York Yankees are in the midst of an offseason that carries heavy weight for their future. One of the biggest storylines that has loomed all winter is whether New York can retain outfielder Cody Bellinger.
The 30-year-old veteran had an outstanding first year in the Bronx after arriving last offseason from the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger posted a .272 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, .813 OPS, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 13 stolen bases across 152 games.
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He also played excellent defense and finished 14th in American League MVP voting. Entering his 30s, Bellinger is seeking a lucrative long-term contract, one that will likely be the largest of his remaining MLB career.
MLB outfielder Cody Bellinger (35)© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In a new report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bellinger was described as clearly New York’s priority. The Yankees reportedly feel confident that the other New York team, the Mets, will not lure him away, especially with superstar Aaron Judge advocating for Bellinger to stay.
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“For the second straight year the Yankees and Mets are battling over a star outfielder, and this time it’s Cody Bellinger. 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,” Heyman reported Thursday.
Still, Bellinger remains unsigned. On Saturday, the Yankees made a depth move to bolster their outfield as his future continues to hang in balance. Nick Torres, the 2025 Mexican League MVP, has joined the organization after six years away from MLB (h/t Gary Phillips of the NY Daily News).
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Torres is a 32-year-old right-handed corner outfielder who has also played first base, a similar profile to Bellinger.
He posted a .347 batting average, .425 on-base percentage, 1.155 OPS, 27 home runs and 79 RBIs for Union Laguna last season. His addition provides depth and experience, although the Yankees’ primary focus remains on resolving Bellinger’s contract situation.
Bellinger remains the priority because of both his accolades and his proven track record. He debuted in 2017 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, immediately winning Rookie of the Year and later earning MVP honors in 2019.
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A two-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner, two-time Silver Slugger and World Series champion, he has thrived under the spotlight of big markets. That pedigree makes him an ideal fit for the Yankees, whose ambitions center on winning a World Series for the first time since 2009 next year.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.