Yankees Reportedly Extend Contract Offer to Cody Bellinger

The New York Yankees are right back in the thick of the MLB offseason buzz, this time with a big decision looming over Cody Bellinger. After a resurgent year in pinstripes, the former MVP now has a new contract offer from the Yankees on the table.

The franchise faces a tricky balance between performance, payroll, and long-term plans.

Yankees Make Their Move on Cody Bellinger

Longtime insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees have officially offered Bellinger a contract. The details are still under wraps, but the message is obvious: general manager Brian Cashman and his crew want Bellinger back in the Bronx.

Honestly, anyone who watched the 2025 season could see this coming. Bellinger didn’t just blend into the Yankees lineup—he turned into one of their most reliable and dangerous bats, shoring up both the offense and the outfield defense.

A Rebound Season Worth Paying For

Bellinger’s first season in New York was his best since his MVP run with the Dodgers. He hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, his highest total since 2019.

The way he settled in at Yankee Stadium was even more telling. There, he posted a strong .302/.365/.544 line and 18 homers.

Not so long ago, his career looked like it was at a crossroads. Now, he’s re-established himself as a premium everyday talent as he heads into his age-30 season.

The Deal That Started It All

The Yankees picked up Bellinger from the Cubs last winter in a classic salary-dump trade. New York sent right-hander Cody Poteet to Chicago and took on nearly all of the remaining $52.5 million on Bellinger’s contract.

Bellinger opted out after the season, so the Yankees basically paid $27.5 million for one year of top-tier production. It’s hard to say they didn’t get solid value.

What a New Contract Might Look Like

Industry talk suggests re-signing Bellinger could take a five- or six-year commitment. That’s a big ask, considering his age and the injury history from earlier in his career.

But let’s be real, players like Bellinger—lefty power, versatile in the field, postseason experience—aren’t exactly easy to find. And he’s already shown he can handle New York’s pressure.

A Quiet Offseason So Far

Other than the Bellinger situation, the Yankees’ offseason has been pretty quiet. Their headline move so far was giving—and unexpectedly re-signing—Trent Grisham to a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer.

Otherwise, New York has kept things low-key. They’ve spent about $29.025 million in free agency on short-term deals, keeping their options open.

Notable Yankees Offseason Moves

Payroll Pressure and Bigger Questions Ahead

Current projections put the Yankees at about a $286 million luxury-tax payroll. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has never really wanted to go past the $300 million mark, so every big move feels extra risky.

If they re-sign Bellinger, New York might not have much room left to chase other stars like Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette. They’d also have less flexibility to upgrade shortstop or fix a pitching staff that, let’s be honest, looked shaky late last season.

This offseason, the Yankees have to figure out what really matters most. Do they settle for a proven fit, or hold off in hopes of landing someone even bigger down the line?

 
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