NEW YORK, January 12, 2026
Yankees, Bellinger Negotiations Hit a Snag Over Contract Length
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A potential reunion between Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees is facing hurdles as the two sides disagree on the length of a possible contract.
- The Yankees have reportedly offered Bellinger a five-year deal worth around $155 million.
- Bellinger is seeking a seven-year contract, creating a significant gap in negotiations.
- New York is exploring other free agent options, including Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker.
- Bellinger’s recent performance, while strong in 2023 and with the Yankees, has been inconsistent throughout his career.
The New York Yankees are interested in bringing Cody Bellinger back to the Bronx, but a deal isn’t a certainty, as the free agent outfielder is looking for a longer commitment than the team is currently willing to offer. According to a report from Jon Heyman on Monday, “a disagreement over the length of the deal is still a sticky enough issue that both parties also continue to investigate alternate plans.”
A Five-Year Offer on the Table
The Yankees have presented Bellinger with a five-year contract valued at approximately $155 million. However, the 30-year-old is aiming for a seven-year deal, prompting the Yankees to consider other potential additions to their roster, such as Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker.
It’s not entirely surprising that the Yankees are hesitant to commit to a full seven years, given Bellinger’s fluctuating production levels throughout his career. He reached the pinnacle of his performance in 2017, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors, and again in 2019, when he was named National League MVP as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
From MVP to Inconsistency
During his MVP season in 2019, Bellinger showcased exceptional offensive prowess, slashing .305/.406/.629 with an impressive 47 home runs, 115 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. However, his numbers experienced a noticeable decline over the subsequent three seasons (2020-2022), averaging a .203/.272/.376 slash line, 13.7 home runs, 44.7 RBIs, and 7.7 stolen bases, as per Baseball Reference.
The shortened 2020 season offered some explanation for the dip in power numbers, but he still managed 10 home runs in 2021 and 19 in 2022.
A Bounce-Back and a Return to Form
Bellinger demonstrated a resurgence in 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, earning a Silver Slugger award with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. However, his performance dipped again in 2024 for Chicago, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 78 runs.
Yankee Stadium Appeared to Suit Him
Yankee Stadium, with its famously short right-field porch, seemed to unlock Bellinger’s potential last season. He slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His 5.1 wins above replacement (WAR) – according to Baseball Reference – was his highest mark since his MVP campaign, and he played a key role in the Yankees’ playoff appearance.
Those numbers came at a good time heading into free agency, but the Yankees’ front office apparently doesn’t view them as justification for a seven-year contract.
What’s Next for Bellinger and the Yankees?
A resolution could still be reached, particularly if the Yankees can secure Bellinger for a price lower than what it would cost to acquire Tucker or Bichette. The situation remains fluid as both sides explore their options.
