The New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger still aren’t on the same page.
Bellinger hasn’t drawn as much interest in free agency as he probably anticipated, but that doesn’t mean he’s in any rush to return to the Bronx. The Yankees have reportedly made a couple of offers for his services, but to no avail.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, that’s not because of the money. Instead, it’s all about the length of the contract.
Cody Bellinger reportedly wants a seven-year deal
“The Yankees and free agent Cody Bellinger’s stare-down continues with one month before spring training: The Yankees have offered a 5-year contract between $155-$160 million without deferrals. Bellinger is seeking at least a 7-year deal,” Nightengale wrote on X.
The former World Series champion is 30 years old already, and the Yankees might not feel comfortable adding more years to his current deal.
He slashed .272/.334/.480 in 152 games for Aaron Boone’s team last season, logging 29 home runs, 98 RBI, a 125 OPS+ and a 5.1 WAR.
The Yankees have been mostly quiet in the offseason, and failing to retain their main target and free agent would be a massive blow to GM Brian Cashman, especially if he ends up signing with the New York Mets, as some predict.
But if they can’t find some middle ground, they may have no choice but to pivot and go after someone else, with Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker as the other big shots currently waiting for their new deal.