Yankees and Boras Current Standings

As things currently stand, it looks like Bellinger and his team are requesting a deal of at least 7 years, exceeding an AAV of $30 million. The Yankees have already offered Bellinger a deal with his preferred salary of over $30 million per year, so the gap between the two parties appears to be in terms of contract length. In other words, both sides are very open to a deal, but strongly disagree on the details.

Though Bellinger had a great season last year, it’s easy to see why New York is a little wary to give him a deal of that magnitude. From 2021 to 2024, Bellinger averaged a brWAR of 1.7 per season, which doesn’t exactly make teams any more eager to sign him. Turning 31 years old, Bellinger is not exactly in his prime either. However, looking at the deals that 31 year-old Pete Alonso (5 years, $155 million) and 32 year-old Kyle Schwarber (5 years, $150 million) received, he and Boras just might decide to capitalize on the market and force the Yankees to go higher and higher in negotiations.

Potential Pivots for the Yankees

If the Yankees decide that Bellinger’s asking price is just too high, then they should instead put all of their attention on OF Kyle Tucker and/or SS Bo Bichette. New York has recently been linked to both players, and bringing two elite bats would singlehandedly make their lineup a contender for the best in the AL. Then again, if Bellinger’s asking price is too much for the Yankees, then shooting for Tucker, or even Bichette, might be out of the question financially-speaking.

Yankees Recent Past Negotiations with Boras

The Yankees and Scott Boras have an extensive history, as most big market teams do, but recent years have not served the Yankees well. Last offseason, for example, the Yankees were led on by the Boras camp when courting superstar outfielder Juan Soto. The Yankees were left at the altar when the Mets made a godfather offer that Soto could not refuse.

It will be interesting to see if the two sides find a way to a deal before the Yankees begin their pivot. Time is of the essence for both sides.

Last Word on Sports Authors Matthew Nethercott and Jack Rotolo wrote this story.