Yankees Still Pursuing Cody Bellinger Amid Stout Competition

The New York Yankees are pushing hard to land Cody Bellinger. The stakes could not be higher.

With multiple contenders circling the former MVP and a free-agent market headlined by Kyle Tucker, the Yankees face a crowded, expensive landscape. They want a left-handed impact bat who can reshape their lineup and outfield defense.

Yankees Zero In on Cody Bellinger as Top Priority

The Yankees have made one thing clear this offseason: Cody Bellinger is their top free-agent target. Talks haven’t produced a deal yet, but the Yankees are fully engaged and putting in the work to get ahead of the competition.

They’re not just chasing Bellinger’s name. His recent performance stands out—he turned in a 5-WAR season in 2025, showing he’s back to playing at an All-Star level.

That kind of production is exactly what the Yankees need. Their lineup has missed that spark in key spots for years now.

Why Bellinger Fits the Yankees’ Needs

Bellinger’s appeal goes beyond stats. He brings power, athleticism, and defensive flexibility—an ideal fit for the Yankees’ roster and their ballpark.

Most notably, Bellinger offers:

This versatility gives the Yankees options. He can anchor center field if they need it, or slide to first base and still bring premium value.

That kind of flexibility is rare. It’s a major reason New York sees him as such a strong fit.

Heavy Competition Across the League

The Yankees aren’t the only ones in this chase. Bellinger’s 2025 resurgence has put him near the top of every contender’s wish list.

The bidding war is real. Among the teams pursuing Bellinger are:

Why Bellinger Appeals to Big-Market Clubs

Bellinger slightly outperformed Kyle Tucker in 2025. His ability to move between center field and first base gives him a unique edge in roster flexibility.

For teams like the Yankees and Mets, juggling aging stars and defensive questions, that flexibility is gold. Tucker, meanwhile, is more of a traditional corner outfielder, which makes Bellinger a cleaner fit for clubs needing coverage in center or at first without losing offense.

Kyle Tucker: The Market’s Top Prize

Even with Bellinger’s strong season and defensive versatility, Kyle Tucker is widely viewed as the premier free agent on the board. Age and consistency drive his market value.

Tucker offers:

That combo is why front offices still rank him just ahead of Bellinger for long-term value, even if Bellinger’s 2025 was a touch better by WAR.

Blue Jays Go All-In on Tucker

The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as one of Tucker’s most aggressive suitors. They’ve already hosted him for in-person discussions this week, signaling a serious push to make him their offseason centerpiece.

Elite offensive talent is scarce. Teams are moving fast to secure it, and Tucker’s patience, power, and age make him a potential franchise-changer for whoever wins the race.

A Challenging Road Ahead for the Yankees

For the Yankees, the path to Bellinger is anything but simple. They’re up against tough competition from in-division rivals and big-market clubs with deep pockets.

The free-agent market at the top feels thin but elite—basically a two-headline act with Bellinger and Tucker. The bidding war shows just how valuable and rare these players are.

If the Yankees want to shake up their roster and get back to the top of the American League, chasing Bellinger seems less like a luxury and more like something they just have to do.

 
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