MLB trade rumours: Cody Bellinger seeks six- or seven-year contract while New York Yankees prefer shorter commitment | MLB News
The New York Yankees are in talks with free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger during the 2025-2026 offseason, and the length of the contract is a major sticking point. It seems like they’re not close to a deal yet, but discussions are still ongoing. Bellinger and his agents at the Boras Corporation are probably aiming for a six- or seven-year contract.In a different segment on MLB Network, Jon Morosi mentioned that Bellinger is still looking for a deal around seven years, while the Yankees, as expected, are leaning towards a four- or five-year agreement. This deadlock comes as reports indicate that the Yankees have made at least two formal offers to Bellinger. General manager Brian Cashman has openly shown the team’s desire to bring him back.
Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees exchange multiple offers
Talks between Bellinger and the Yankees have moved forward with several offers on the table, but they still can’t agree on the contract length. Brendan Kuty mentioned in The Athletic that the length of the contract might be a sticking point, as Bellinger is looking for a deal of six or seven years. Jon Morosi also chimed in on MLB Network’s Hot Stove, stating, “I still in the long-run think Bellinger ends up a Yankee,” while noting the back-and-forth discussions.Steve Phillips, also on MLB Network, reacted to the second offer by stating, “There’s some back-and-forth which is a good sign for the Yankees… I still in the long-run think Bellinger ends up a Yankee.” Bryan Hoch, via SNYtv, reported, “What I’m told is that there is a gap and it’s years and AAV,” referring to average annual value as factors holding up the deal.Robert Murray mentioned that the Yankees and Bellinger aren’t really close to making a deal, but New York is still the top contender to sign him. Jon Heyman talked about Bellinger’s situation and other Yankees-related topics during a chat on Michael Kay’s show that was shared on X.
Cody Bellinger enters his age-30 season with most teams projecting a five- or six-year deal
External forecasts give insight into the anticipated duration and worth of the deal. MLB Trade Rumors estimated that Bellinger would land a five-year, $140MM contract at the beginning of the offseason. Most predictions indicate a five- or six-year agreement, as Bellinger approaches his 30th birthday.There’s a history of players landing contracts of seven years or more at that age, but the last free agent hitter to achieve this was Brandon Nimmo in 2022. Since then, no free agent bat in his 30s has signed a six-year deal, although Alex Bregman turned down a six-year proposal from the Tigers last winter when he was a year older.Bobby Milone on X noted, “Boras wants 7 years” is correct (no one giving him that). I heard 30-32m was the max (Doubt anyone giving more). So 5/150-160m is the sweet spot and the Yankees are not there (Cause I doubt any other team is bidding).”Roman Savino replied on X, “I admire Boras for thinking Cody could get 30-32m but last year the Cubs had to pay 5m to be able to trade him. Cody and Boras need to start to be realistic about what his market actually is.”
Interest from other teams for Cody Bellinger
Although the Yankees are leading the pack, other teams are also in the mix for Bellinger. The New York Mets have been frequently brought up. There’s even talk about a potential reunion with the Cubs.There’s a noticeable difference between what Bellinger wants and what teams are offering, with several reports saying he’s looking for a deal of six or seven years.Considering the Yankees’ offseason, Bellinger’s negotiations might be affecting other decisions, like possible trades for starting pitchers such as Freddy Peralta or MacKenzie Gore, as Bobby Milone hinted on X, “The holdup for Peralta or Gore might be Bellinger. As the Brewers and Nationals might want Dominguez or Jones in a deal. If Bellinger gets done, we could see quickly after a trade for a SP.”Jack Fungo on X added, “I think they’re pressing to resolve the Bellinger situation first before engaging on the SP market.” The Yankees decided to give Trent Grisham a qualifying offer, which changed their compensation pick because of luxury tax rules. This move is linked to their negotiations with Bellinger, but they haven’t come to an agreement yet, though talks are still ongoing.Also Read: Who is Reagan Bregman? Everything you need to know about Alex Bregman’s wife
