Yankees Are Years Apart On Negotiations With Cody Bellinger

The New York Yankees are reportedly very interested in a reunion with Cody Bellinger. With the Winter Meeting kicking off on December 7th, the market will start moving quickly. Brian Cashman and the Yankees are already working hard to retain Bellinger. 

Yankees And Bellinger Not Close

Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees are very interested in bringing Cody Bellinger back, but negotiations are stalled over contract length. Scott Boras always pushes for substantial deals, so this isn’t surprising. Still, the Yankees may want to be careful. If Bellinger signs a contract longer than four or five years, they risk being locked into a large commitment if his performance declines, which is reportedly what he’s seeking this winter.

Bellinger will turn 31 next July and is likely seeking his last significant contract. Signing him for his versatility does raise some questions about how his deal might age. For comparison, fans recall the Yankees targeting DJ LeMahieu, a versatile Gold Glove winner known for his strong approach at the plate. LeMahieu excelled early but saw a decline as injuries increased, leading Brian Cashman to move on from the three-time All-Star this past season.

With their championship window narrowing, the Yankees may not want another contract that could limit future roster moves. In past seasons, contracts for players like Marcus Stroman and Aaron Hicks posed some challenges.

Will They Pivot To Kyle Tucker?

If the Yankees can’t bring back Cody Bellinger, they’ll look to Kyle Tucker. Brian Cashman plans to spend big on another outfielder this offseason. The real question is which free agent it will be. They pursued Tucker last year before acquiring Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. Cashman has already spoken to both players’ agents.

The determining factor will be which player aligns best with the team’s price range. If Bellinger’s demands approach the upper 30s, Tucker may not require a significantly higher investment. Given the league’s emphasis on quality bats and strong defense, the Yankees may find Tucker to be a more feasible acquisition than Bellinger.

Final Thoughts

If Kyle Tucker were to play 82 games at Yankee Stadium, it is projected that his performance numbers could surpass those of Cody Bellinger. The team’s struggles against the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays highlighted the need for an additional high-performing hitter alongside Aaron Judge. Juan Soto’s success illustrates the potential benefits of a strong duo at the top of the lineup, supporting the rationale for adding another elite hitter this offseason.