A somewhat perplexing New York Yankees‘ offseason has taken another surprising turn. Contract negotiations with free agent Cody Bellinger have reached an impasse, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. A reunion has long seemed like the most logical outcome, but it appears that general manager Brian Cashman may now have to pivot to another impactful bat.
Bellinger enjoyed a highly productive 2025 campaign with the Yankees after arriving via a trade with the Chicago Cubs in December of 2024. He batted .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, a .480 slugging percentage and .813 OPS. After finishing in the top-15 for MVP voting in two of the last three years, and playing at least 130 games in four straight campaigns, it seems like the veteran outfielder has answered the previous questions surrounding his performance and health.
Nevertheless, New York clearly takes issue with his demands. Bellinger is reportedly seeking a six or seven-year deal, which is giving management pause. The Yanks offered the 30-year-old a “five-year contract for at least $30 million per season,” per Olney.
If the organization is not willing to increase its bid for the 2019 MVP and two-time All-Star, perhaps it will shift its attention to Kyle Tucker. Regardless of who Cashman pursues in free agency or on the trade market, the iconic franchise is under suffocating pressure to have a big winter.
Like always, the Yankees Pinstripes connote World Series ambitions, even though they have not won a title since 2009. The fact that the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles have each made a splash during Hot Stove season only puts more heat on New York. Fans expect at least one star player. Fortunately for them, there is still plenty of time and plenty of available talent for Brian Cashman to strengthen the team’s roster.
Besides Tucker, infielder Bo Bichette is also an All-Star who is on the Yankees’ radar. And who knows, perhaps talks with Cody Bellinger will pick up again. It is a long MLB offseason, but The Bronx is not interested in waiting much longer for firm action.