Yankees reportedly backing away from Cody Bellinger bidding war

The New York Yankees may need outfielder Cody Bellinger more than any other team. That clear need may not matter.

According to Bob Klapisch of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Yankees are refusing to engage in a bidding war for Bellinger. Klapisch further reported that the Yankees feel their five-year, $160M offer with a pair of opt-outs is a fair deal.

Bellinger had a strong showing for the Yankees in 2025. He posted a .272/.334/.480 batting line in his 656 plate appearances, hitting 29 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 13 bases.

Yankees need Cody Bellinger, but so do several other teams

The Yankees roster is still unsettled as spring training approaches. Aaron Judge is as close to automatic as possible in right, but the rest of the outfield is a question mark. 

The Yankees are banking on Trent Grisham replicating his career year in 2025 in center. Jasson Dominguez struggled in the second half and lost playing time in left down the stretch. Ben Rice is nominally listed as the Yankees first baseman, but could find himself behind the plate more frequently if Austin Wells struggles during the upcoming season. 

Bellinger, who is capable of playing all three outfield positions and first base, would give the Yankees a more proven option at any of those spots. However, the Yankees are not the only team that could use Bellinger. 

The New York Mets have openings in center and left, especially since outfielder Brandon Nimmo was traded for second baseman Marcus Semien. The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly offered outfielder Kyle Tucker a 10-year, $350M contract before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers; they could pivot to Bellinger. He would be a good fit for the San Francisco Giants as well, providing another solid bat and excellent defense as they continue to revamp their roster.

The Yankees need Bellinger back if they are going to contend for a championship seriously. If reports are true that they will not engage in a bidding war for his services, Bellinger may end up signing elsewhere.