{"id":528506,"date":"2026-01-20T01:30:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T01:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/528506\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T01:30:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T01:30:18","slug":"yankees-outfielder-could-walk-in-fa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/528506\/","title":{"rendered":"Yankees Outfielder Could ‘Walk’ In FA"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The latest update regarding Cody Bellinger is not a good sign for Yankees fans.<\/p>\n

Cody Bellinger Free Agency Update<\/p>\n

The Yankees are holding the line in their negotiations with the free agent outfielder.<\/p>\n

NJ.com\u2019s Bob Klapisch recently penned a column about the Yankees and their pursuit of Bellinger<\/a>. The major point of contention in these negotiations is the length of the contract.<\/p>\n

The Yankees do not want to exceed five years, while Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, are seeking a seven-year deal.<\/p>\n

According to Klapisch, the Yankees\u2019 most recent five-year offer will be their last.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Yankees have made the internal decision to hold the line on Bellinger, according to a person with knowledge of the situation,\u201d Klapisch wrote. \u201cThey\u2019re convinced that their latest offer of five years, $160 million with two opt-outs, is not only fair, but it\u2019s their last proposal.\u201d<\/p>\n

If talks between #Yankees<\/a> and Cody Bellinger fall apart, it’s because he (and Scott Boras) are stuck on seven years, $36-$37 million per. The club won’t touch that. https:\/\/t.co\/CWvWademUW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) January 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Yankees\u2019 average annual value is $32 million. Bellinger\u2019s camp is searching for $36 million to $37 million.<\/p>\n

Bellinger and the Yankees are trying to work things out, but if things don\u2019t work out, the team from Queens could come in and sign the outfielder.<\/p>\n

The Mets missed out on free agent Kyle Tucker, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets are still searching for another corner outfielder to play with Juan Soto.<\/p>\n

Steve Cohen proved he is willing to pivot for other top players, as evidenced by the Bo Bichette signing<\/a>. Bichette signed a three-year deal for $126 million.<\/p>\n

Could Cohen step in and pry Bellinger away from the Yankees? It\u2019s certainly a possibility, especially if Bellinger and the Yankees remain at a standstill.<\/p>\n

What Happens if the Yankees Don\u2019t Sign Cody Bellinger?<\/p>\n

The Yankees must start preparing their backup plan in case Bellinger signs with another team.<\/p>\n

On Monday, the Yankees signed former Athletics outfielder\/first baseman Seth Brown to a minor league contract. Brown is not considered a Bellinger replacement. However, it is a move to add depth at the position.<\/p>\n

If the season started today, Aaron Judge would be in right field, while Trent Grisham would start in center.<\/p>\n

Jasson Dominguez would be the logical choice to play in left field.<\/p>\n

Spencer Jones will likely receive a call-up at some point.<\/p>\n

However, the Yankees plan to still sign Bellinger. However, they are not budging on their latest offer.<\/p>\n

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