The New York Yankees appear poised to avoid a repeat of last winter’s high-profile loss when star outfielder Cody Bellinger approaches free agency this offseason. After the Yankees lost Juan Soto to the Mets in December on a landmark 15-year, $765 million contract, reports now suggest the Yankees have the advantage in negotiating with Bellinger, who has quickly become a key contributor after joining the team.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, while the Mets remain interested in Bellinger, the Yankees hold the “inside track” to sign him to a new contract. This optimism follows Bellinger’s strong performance in his first season with New York, further fueling the team’s desire to keep him in the Bronx.
Bellinger Focuses Solely on Finishing the Season Strong
In discussions with NJ.com, Bellinger expressed that contract talks are not on his mind during the final stretch of the regular season. He emphasized his commitment to playing his best every day and leaving negotiations in the hands of his agent, Scott Boras.
“As cliche as it is, as cliche as it sounds, I don’t even want to think about it,”
Bellinger confessed.
“I don’t think about it because we have 40-some games left. When I talked to Scott, he told me to just focus on playing baseball and do the best I can every day. That’s my goal, so I show up every day and focus on the task at hand.”
He also noted that the Yankees have yet to initiate contract discussions, but he remains patient, saying,
“After the season is definitely when those decisions happen. Right now, that decision is so far in front. There’s so much baseball left to be played, so much time in between then and now that I hadn’t really thought about it. And I don’t really want to think about it because it’s kind of pointless to think about it.”
Bellinger’s Impact Since Joining the Yankees
Acquired in a December 2024 trade from the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger has quickly settled into his role with the Yankees. The former National League MVP has delivered a solid season, batting .272 with 24 home runs and 75 RBIs. His current pace suggests he could rack up the most home runs he has tallied since his peak 2019 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, when he hit 47 homers.
His two-time All-Star status and proven track record have made him an indispensable asset for the Yankees‘ lineup this season as they aim for postseason success.
Implications for the Yankees’ Future
Successfully securing Bellinger’s contract would be significant for the Yankees, especially after their recent challenges keeping top outfield talents in the city. Retaining Bellinger not only strengthens their roster continuity but also counters the Mets’ aggressive offseason moves. His performance and fit with the team could play a crucial role in the Yankees’ championship ambitions moving forward.