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NEW YORK, December 31, 2025 – The New York Yankees are currently locked in negotiations with free agent Cody Bellinger, and the team’s offseason strategy largely depends on whether they can retain the outfielder. Will the Yankees successfully re-sign Bellinger, or will another team swoop in and claim his services?
Yankees Rumors: A Potential Pivot if Bellinger Leaves
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if Bellinger chooses too sign elsewhere, the Yankees will need to quickly identify and pursue another veteran hitter. Despite the ongoing discussions, analysts believe the Yankees are in a strong position to keep Bellinger in pinstripes. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson predicted on December 30, 2025, that the Yankees will ultimately re-sign Bellinger, stating, “There’s no reason to overthink this one either. Bellinger’s game is a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium and he’s coming off a great year with New York.” Anderson also noted that the Yankees reportedly view Kyle Tucker as a backup plan, further suggesting Bellinger remains their top priority.
- Cody Bellinger’s decision is central to the yankees’ offseason plans.
- The Yankees are considered to be in a good position to re-sign Bellinger.
- Kyle Tucker is seen as a potential option if negotiations with Bellinger fall through.
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman has publicly expressed interest in bringing Bellinger back.
yankees ‘Pretty Confident’ in Bellinger Re-Signing
Bellinger opted out of the final year of a three-year, $80 million contract. Spotrac currently projects his market value at a six-year, $182 million deal. Despite interest from other teams, the Yankees remain optimistic about their chances. According to the New York Post’s jon Heyman, the Yankees are “pretty confident” they can re-sign Bellinger, adding, “Kyle Tucker is the No. 1 free agent, but Bellinger’s versatility works better for the New York teams. (His price tag is lower,too.)” Heyman’s report, published December 25, also highlighted that Aaron Judge is a strong advocate for Bellinger’s return.
Cashman: Bellinger ‘Would Be a Great fit’
while the Yankees are also considering other free agents, such as Chicago Cubs slugger Kyle Tucker, re-signing Bellinger is expected to be a more cost-effective option. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has openly stated his desire to bring Bellinger back, saying, “Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” per MLB.com’s Bryan hoch. Cashman further elaborated, “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. I think he’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level, and hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our surroundings was a great one for him.”
