Eight Teams Pursue Cody Bellinger; Implications for Yankees Revealed

The free-agent market for Cody Bellinger is heating up, with an impressive number of teams expressing interest. Agent Scott Boras recently indicated that nearly one-third of MLB teams have their eyes on Bellinger, who is considered one of the top offensive players available. After the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber for a substantial five-year, $150 million contract, Bellinger may now rank as the second-best offensive player on the market, following Kyle Tucker.

Cody Bellinger’s Market Activity

During the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Boras detailed the potential market for Bellinger. The interested teams include:

• New York Yankees
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Cincinnati Reds
• New York Mets
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• San Francisco Giants
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Los Angeles Angels

Boras compared the current market dynamics to a situation where teams recognize the value of five-tool players. He referenced that “great players see red if they have a big bat yanked out of their lineup.” The urgency to find a strong center-field option is critical for many teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Implications for the Yankees

The New York Yankees have shown a clear interest in re-signing Bellinger, with general manager Brian Cashman emphasizing his desire to keep the player. However, Boras hinted that the market for Bellinger might evolve based on Tucker’s potential signing. If Tucker secures a deal, teams missing out on him may shift their focus to Bellinger, altering his market dynamics.

Cashman mentioned the competitive landscape, noting that the Yankees have other options if discussions with Bellinger do not lead to a satisfactory outcome. He remarked on the depth of players available, specifically mentioning Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones as potential candidates for the vacant left-field position should Bellinger decide to leave.

Outfield Dynamics

Should the Yankees fail to re-sign Bellinger, their outfield will face significant changes. Domínguez struggled defensively last season while Jones has demonstrated issues, such as a high strikeout rate in the minors. Cashman identified the need to balance their roster, suggesting they may consider Austin Hays, who excelled against left-handed pitchers last year, as a potential option.

Financial Considerations

Questions surrounding the Yankees’ payroll could come into play if Bellinger departs. With a current payroll of $319 million, speculation exists regarding whether the team will scale back spending. However, Boras expressed confidence in the Yankees’ commitment to acquiring top talent, citing previous efforts to pursue elite players like Juan Soto.

The offseason has already seen the Yankees make moves, such as exercising Tim Hill’s option and re-signing Ryan Yarbrough, indicating their proactive approach as they prepare for 2026.

As Bellinger’s free agency continues, the landscape remains fluid. The Yankees will need to make strategic decisions that align with their ambitions for the upcoming season, depending on the outcomes of negotiations in the coming weeks.