Yankees Prioritize Re-Signing Cody Bellinger Amid Free Agency Frenzy

Following a season in which they won 94 games but fell short in the AL Division Series, the Yankees are turning their attention to free agency, with Cody Bellinger as a top priority. A year after centering their offseason around keeping Juan Soto, New York now seeks to retain the 30-year-old outfielder who has emerged as a key contributor in the Bronx.

General manager Brian Cashman confirmed the team’s interest in bringing Bellinger back, noting that the Yankees are actively exploring their options in both the trade and free-agent markets. The GM spoke from the annual general manager meetings in Las Vegas, a gathering that serves as the unofficial start of baseball’s hot stove season.

Bellinger, who opted out of the final year of his three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs, is expected to command a sizable contract this winter. ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel projects a six-year, $165 million deal, second only to Kyle Tucker among outfielders in terms of potential market value.

The Yankees acquired Bellinger in December 2024 from the Cubs as part of a pivot away from Soto, trading minor league pitcher Cody Poteet and $5 million to offset Bellinger’s $27.5 million salary. The move has paid immediate dividends for New York, as Bellinger became the team’s second-most valuable player in 2025 by WAR.

1. Bellinger’s 2025 Impact

Bellinger batted .272 with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS over 152 games, consistently producing behind superstar Aaron Judge. He excelled against left-handed pitching, leading all left-handed hitters in both on-base percentage (.415) and slugging percentage (.601) versus lefties. Defensively, Bellinger was strong in the corner outfield positions and his limited time at first base, though slightly below average in center field. He also contributed on the basepaths with 13 steals in 15 attempts. These combined efforts earned him a 4.9 fWAR, tied for 18th in the majors and second on the Yankees only to Judge. Bellinger’s offensive and defensive versatility has made him an attractive option in free agency, with multiple teams expected to pursue him. Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, noted that New York has been an “ideal fit” for the outfielder, citing the synergy between the player and the organization. By opting out of his remaining contract year, Bellinger positions himself for a major multiyear deal, signaling his value as both a productive hitter and a defensive asset. Retaining him would provide the Yankees with continuity in a lineup that has relied heavily on star power to compete in the AL East.

2. Outfield Considerations and Strategy

Bellinger is not the only Yankees outfielder in flux this offseason. Trent Grisham, another standout in 2025, has until Tuesday to accept the team’s one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer or enter free agency. Grisham’s performance, including a career-high 34 home runs, ensures he will attract significant interest if he tests the market. Cashman emphasized that Grisham’s decision will not deter the Yankees from pursuing Bellinger, noting that the team could target both outfielders if necessary. “We’d be better served if we could retain him,” Cashman said of Bellinger, adding that alternatives would be explored if re-signing him proves impossible. The Yankees’ offseason approach blends caution with ambition, balancing the need to retain proven contributors with the flexibility to explore other roster options. Bellinger represents a focal point in this strategy, as the team seeks to maintain offensive depth and defensive versatility. As the hot stove season unfolds, New York’s priority remains clear: securing Cody Bellinger to build around Judge and reinforce a lineup capable of competing for the AL East and beyond.

3. Market Outlook and Competition

Bellinger is expected to draw interest from multiple teams across MLB, making the free-agent market competitive. Analysts project that several clubs will pursue the outfielder aggressively, given his combination of offensive production, defensive versatility, and experience in high-leverage situations. The Yankees’ advantage lies in familiarity; Bellinger has spent the past season adjusting to New York’s lineup, culture, and ballpark, factors that may make a return more appealing than uprooting to a new city. Financial considerations will also play a role, as teams with deep pockets can match or exceed the Yankees’ offer. Reports suggest that Bellinger’s potential contract could rank among the largest for an outfielder this offseason, emphasizing his value in today’s market. New York’s front office appears confident, but the competitive landscape underscores the urgency of reaching an agreement quickly, particularly if other marquee free agents draw attention away from Bellinger’s negotiations.