The New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger Remain At a Stalemate In Negotiations
All offseason long, we’ve heard various reports that the New York Yankees would go to great lengths to retain star Outfielder Cody Bellinger. After many months of back and forth in negotiations with the former all-star, Brian Cashman appears to be fed up with Scott Boras. Buster Olney of ESPN reported that they are operating under the assumption that Bellinger will sign elsewhere and that the team is now seeking additions elsewhere.
The Yankees Are Ready To Move On
Reports this week revealed that Boras and Bellinger are seeking a seven-year deal with an annual value well above $30 million, which is a demand that seems excessive. For context, Aaron Judge, one of the greatest Yankees of all time, earns $40 million per year. Meanwhile, Bellinger, who hasn’t posted an OPS above .900 in three years, is asking for nearly as much. Once again, Boras appears to be overestimating his client’s value and misreading the market, leaving Bellinger likely dissatisfied with the eventual outcome.
Olney also reported that the New York Yankees have made fair offers for Bellinger, and contract talks are at an impasse:
“The Yankees have offered Bellinger a five-year deal for at least $30 million per season, sources said, which falls in the range of deals that other star hitters received this winter. Pete Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, and Kyle Schwarber signed a five-year, $150 million deal to return to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Bellinger’s camp, he is represented by Scott Boras, is seeking a deal longer than five years, and worth more in average annual value than the $30 million per season he’s been offered.”
Paying Bellinger $30 million per season feels like an overpay, but the Yankees are negotiating with Boras, arguably the most stubborn agent in baseball. If it were 2019, when Bellinger hit .305/.406/.629 with 47 home runs and 115 RBI for the Dodgers, he would earn this type of contract. However, today he is a shadow of the MVP-caliber player he once was in Los Angeles.
Yankees Pursuing Other Free Agents
After reaching a standstill with Bellinger, the Yankees have shifted their focus to Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. New York previously expressed a strong interest in Tucker before he was ultimately traded to the Chicago Cubs last offseason. Pairing him with Judge would create a formidable duo at the top of the lineup. Bichette, meanwhile, would be a dynamic addition and fill the leadoff spot the Yankees have been missing since DJ LeMahieu’s prime years.
Cashman should have targeted Bichette and Tucker from the outset, rather than focusing on Bellinger. Fortunately, the unusually slow-moving free agent market has bought the Yankees some time. With Spring Training fast approaching, Cashman must act quickly to bolster the roster if New York hopes to contend in a stacked division against the reigning American League Champion Toronto Blue Jays.
Final Thoughts
This has been the most encouraging news for the fanbase all offseason, during a period otherwise lacking in excitement. If the Yankees are willing to offer Bellinger $30 million per year, why not pursue higher-impact talent at a similar price point who could contribute even more to the team? This may be simply a negotiating tactic to pressure Boras into lowering Bellinger’s asking price. However, it seems Cashman has grown tired of these negotiations and is eager to get the offseason truly underway.
This roster requires far fewer changes than last offseason, when Juan Soto departed for the New York Mets. If the Yankees can acquire another high-impact bat to complement Judge and add a quality starter to the rotation, they’ll be well-positioned as one of the top teams in the American League next season.
